The political atmosphere in Bihar turned tense on Wednesday as opposition parties, led by the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), launched a statewide bandh (shutdown) in protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. The revision drive, seen by the Election Commission as a routine pre-election exercise ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, has been strongly opposed by opposition leaders who allege it is an attempt to manipulate electoral rolls.

Protests, road blockades, railway disruptions, and high-profile political appearances marked the day, as public life in several districts was impacted.

Why the Protest? The Voter List Revision Controversy

The Election Commission of India launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll to update and verify the list of eligible voters in Bihar. This process typically involves door-to-door verification, removal of duplicate or deceased names, and inclusion of new eligible voters.

However, opposition parties including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and other members of the Mahagathbandhan allege that the process lacks transparency and is being misused to disenfranchise certain voter groups, particularly in opposition strongholds.

Major Highlights from Bihar Bandh – July 9, 2025

Tejashwi Yadav: “No Law and Order in Bihar”

Leading the bandh from the front, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his administration. Speaking at the Income Tax Golambar in Patna, Yadav said:

“There is no law and order in Bihar. What we’re seeing is criminal disorder. Nitish Kumar is unconscious, controlled, and everyone knows what will happen to him after the elections.”

His statement quickly spread on social media and intensified the political debate over the state’s governance.

Rahul Gandhi Arrives in Patna, Joins Protest

In a significant show of national-level support, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reached Patna to join the bandh. The Bihar Congress unit posted videos of his arrival and participation, stating:

“People’s leader Rahul Gandhi has arrived in Patna. He will take part in the Bihar Bandh and road blockade against voter suppression.”

His presence added weight to the protest and drew nationwide media attention.

Pappu Yadav Leads Road Protests, Shares Video on X

Jan Adhikar Party leader and MP Pappu Yadav was also seen marching on the streets with his supporters. In a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, he said:

“The battle has begun. The people are on the streets. Bihar will uproot this voter-suppressing government. Rahul Gandhi ji, Bihar is ready.”

Yadav’s supporters blocked roads and later staged a protest at Secretariat Halt, sitting on railway tracks and shouting slogans like “Bharat bandh karo” and “Voter list manipulation band karo”.

Public Disruption Across Bihar

The bandh had a noticeable impact in several districts, including Patna, Nalanda, Jehanabad, and Gaya, as protesters blocked roads, disrupted rail traffic, and forced shops and markets to close.

RJD Supporters Block Roads in Nalanda

In Nalanda, RJD workers set fire to tires and blocked key roads near Maghra in Dipnagar Police Station limits. Commuters faced major delays as traffic came to a standstill.

Train Disruption in Jehanabad

RJD supporters reportedly attempted to stop a train in Jehanabad, adding to the chaos. Railway authorities and police responded swiftly to clear the tracks.

Patna’s Secretariat Halt Blockade

In Patna, Pappu Yadav’s supporters squatted on the railway track at Secretariat Halt, drawing police intervention. Officials urged the protesters to vacate peacefully, and no violence was reported.

Security and Police Response

The Bihar police deployed additional forces in sensitive areas to maintain order. While there were no major incidents of violence, traffic congestion, minor scuffles, and inconvenience to the public were widely reported.

The police also monitored social media for provocative content and ensured the safety of government buildings and transport hubs.

Political Reactions and Accusations

The ruling JD(U)-BJP alliance accused the opposition of fear-mongering and attempting to disrupt democratic processes ahead of the upcoming elections. Spokespersons defended the voter list revision, claiming it is conducted as per Election Commission norms and necessary for clean and fair polls.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders reiterated their demand to pause the revision exercise, ensure transparency, and allow third-party audits if necessary.

Impact on Daily Life

• Markets & Shops: Closed in major towns and semi-urban areas.

• Railways: Services delayed in parts of central Bihar.

• Schools & Offices: Many private institutions remained closed; attendance in government offices was thin.

• Transport: Auto-rickshaws and buses stayed off the roads in several protest-hit zones.

The July 9 Bihar Bandh signifies the increasing friction between the ruling government and opposition ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections. With voter list revision now becoming a major flashpoint, the political discourse in the state is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.