The Bharat Bandh against the new farm laws had an extensive impact in Bihar on Tuesday throwing life out of gear as protesters blocked roads while the Opposition parties extended their support.
Sporadic incidents of arson and violence also marked the bandh as the police remained just spectators. The protesters adopted unique ways at several places to register their opposition to the farm laws, which they believe, are inimical to the interests of the farmers.
Though the bandh call was from 11am to 3pm, people supporting it came out early on a foggy morning and started enforcing it, spreading confusion among the commuters. Marriage processions were also stuck at several places.
Several farmers squatted on National Highway 31 in Khagaria district and baked rotis, made garlands out of them and wore them. They asserted that they would join the farmers’ agitation in Delhi if the Centre does not take back the “black farm laws”.
The Opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) put up a joint show in Nawada district with members of the Congress, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Left parties coming out on the streets to enforce the bandh.
RJD supporters blocked the highways around Patna by squatting and burning tyres. They also threw vegetables on the road to indicate that the farmers were not benefiting from cultivation. The protests led to a massive traffic snarl on the Mahatma Gandhi Setu connecting the state capital to north Bihar.
The RJD had asked its leaders and legislators to protest in all parts of the state, which they did promptly, but focused more on cities and towns. However, party leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav did not join the protest.
RJD state unit president Jagadanand Singh had directed the party leaders and workers to adhere to the appeal by the farmers’ organisations to the political parties to desist from using their flags, banners and posters while participating in the bandh so that it remains apolitical. However, most of them used the party insignia while participating in the strike.
RJD supporters in Darbhanga took out a shirtless procession during the bandh, while the party MLA from Bodh Gaya, Kumar Sarvajit, handed over roses and paddy stalks to the common people to seek their support for the agitating farmers.
The RJD MLA from Belaganj, Surendra Prasad Yadav, got the shops forcibly closed.
“The Bharat Bandh was a historic success in Bihar. Apart from cities, its impact was seen in the villages as well. Our party members participated wholeheartedly making it successful. The effect of this bandh would be felt not only in agriculture but also in all sectors of the society,” RJD spokesperson Chittaranjan Gagan said.
Former MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav’s Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) held a violent demonstration at the Dak Bungalow crossing in the heart of Patna.
They forcibly stopped traffic and also held a few vehicles hostage for some time. The police later intervened and a fight erupted between them but the situation was brought under control.
“We have joined the protest on behalf of the farmers of Bihar who are suffering in every manner. They are unable to sell their paddy due to its very low rate in the open market, while the government is not procuring it at the minimum support price (MSP). The new farm laws will help hoarders, big businessmen and destroy agriculture in the state and the country,” Pappu said.
The Left parties led by the CPI-ML joined the bandh, blocking national highways and stopping trains at various places in the state, including Darbhanga, Saharsa, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Aurangabad, Bhojpur, Samastipur, East Champaran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Purnea and Supaul.
Meanwhile, former minister and ruling Janata Dal United (JDU) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar asserted that the Opposition parties in Bihar took the excuse of the bandh to vent their frustration over defeat in the recently held Assembly elections.
“The Opposition parties are venting their frustration over their defeat and seeking revenge by indulging in activities that inconvenience the common people,” he said.
