The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has decided to implement a statewide bandh in Bihar on September 4th, in response to the opposition’s use of offensive language directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a joint event. The five-hour bandh, starting at 7 am and concluding at 12 noon, was announced by Dilip Jaiswal, the BJP’s Bihar state president. Certain essential services, including emergency facilities and rail operations, will remain unaffected during the shutdown. The BJP Mahila Morcha will take the lead in the protest. The bandh is a consequence of objectionable remarks made by Congress workers during the Voter Adhikar Yatra held in Darbhanga last week. Janata Dal (United) leader Umesh Kushwaha condemned the language used, deeming it inappropriate on both moral and political grounds. Kushwaha criticized the lack of apology from the Mahagathbandhan leaders, describing it as a display of arrogance and an insult to women. The NDA’s decision to call for the Bihar bandh and mobilize protests by the women’s wing across Bihar reflects their resolve. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an indirect reference, criticized INDIA bloc leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, calling them ‘namdaars’ and suggesting they do not understand the struggles of the poor. He cited the derogatory remarks made during the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar as an example, claiming these leaders, born into affluence, perceive power as an inheritance.
