BJP, JD(U) Attack Mahagathbandhan Protest March in Bihar as ‘Political Frustration’

The Mahagathbandhan organised the march amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, RJD Lok Sabha member Misa Bharti and VIP chief Mukesh Sahani led the protesters towards Lok Bhawan.

Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi alleged that the Opposition was raising the issue out of political frustration.

“This is an expression of political frustration. Those who were forming governments through booth capturing until yesterday are now talking about the SIR and fake voters. This clearly reflects their political frustration,” Saraogi told IANS.

Referring to allegations involving the Lalu Prasad Yadav family, the BJP leader also attacked the RJD leadership over the land-for-jobs case.

“The family facing allegations of taking land from poor people in exchange for jobs, with a charge sheet already filed in the land-for-jobs case, is now preaching about honesty and probity,” he said.

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan also targeted Tejashwi Yadav, comparing him to a “shortened version” of Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

Ranjan criticised Tejashwi's participation in the state Assembly and accused him of being absent when the House was in session.

“Tejashwi is also a shortened version of Rahul. They do not want to work. As a political tourist, he remains active only during foreign trips, floods and droughts, while he is nowhere to be seen when the Assembly is in session. He appears only when he has to show his presence in Bihar politics,” Ranjan told IANS.

He further accused Tejashwi of targeting the Election Commission for political reasons and said voters in Bihar were observing the developments.

Tensions broke out between protesters and police during the march as security personnel attempted to prevent the demonstrators from proceeding towards Lok Bhawan. Barricades had been installed at several points along the route.

During the protest, Tejashwi climbed onto a barricade and tried to move forward, resulting in a scuffle with police personnel. He was subsequently detained along with Misa Bharti and Mukesh Sahani.

The detained leaders were later taken to Lok Bhawan, where the Mahagathbandhan delegation was scheduled to submit a memorandum to the Governor.