Tejashwi Yadav Leads Patna Protest Against SIR, Demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation

The protest was part of a two-day statewide agitation announced by the Opposition. The campaign began with 'Aakrosh Marches' at block headquarters on October 7, followed by demonstrations at district headquarters and a march towards Lok Bhawan in Patna on October 8.

The Mahagathbandhan organised the protests over what Opposition parties have described as irregularities in the SIR exercise and to press for action against Gyanesh Kumar.

Yadav led the Patna march as Mahagathbandhan leaders and workers gathered on the streets, raising slogans against the Election Commission and demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Tensions rose during the demonstration when Yadav climbed onto a police barricade, following which a scuffle broke out between protesters and police personnel.

The administration had placed barricades at several points on routes leading towards the Lok Bhawan area and deployed additional security personnel to maintain law and order and manage traffic. RJD leader Bhai Virendra and other Opposition leaders also joined the protest.

Speaking during the demonstration, Yadav said the Opposition had repeatedly raised questions over the functioning of the Election Commission and had now come together to protest against concerns surrounding the SIR process.

The Opposition has alleged that the electoral roll revision resulted in the deletion or exclusion of names belonging to genuine voters. Yadav has also accused the Election Commission of favouring the BJP and called for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

These are allegations made by the Opposition and have been denied by the Election Commission and the BJP.

Opposition parties have called on the Election Commission to respond to their concerns over the electoral roll revision and provide details of the action taken on complaints raised during the process.

Security was tightened across Patna in view of the protest. Personnel from the Rapid Action Force, Central Reserve Police Force and Bihar Police were deployed at key locations.

Multiple barricades were installed around the Secretariat police station and along routes leading towards Lok Bhawan. Water-cannon vehicles were also kept ready, while traffic-management arrangements were strengthened to minimise disruption and maintain public order.

Yadav also questioned the Election Commission over the transfer of Rs 10,000 to women's bank accounts ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. He asked what action the poll panel had taken regarding such transfers during the election period.

The Mahagathbandhan's latest protest comes as the Opposition continues to press its objections to the SIR exercise and seek explanations from the Election Commission over the changes made to electoral rolls.