Massive political unrest gripped Bihar on Wednesday as opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav led a high-profile march to the Election Commission’s office in Patna, protesting the special intensive revision of the state’s electoral roll. The demonstration, backed by the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), coincided with a state-wide bandh during which Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Communist Party workers enforced shutdowns of markets and businesses. Protesters allege that the revision, announced barely months before the state polls, could disenfranchise thousands — especially from backward communities — due to stringent document requirements. Police tried to halt the protest march near Mangles Road, but large crowds continued to pour into the streets across Bihar.

Widespread disruption was reported from Patna, Darbhanga, Nawada, Vaishali, and other districts. Protesters burnt tyres, blocked highways, and halted trains, including the Shramjeevi and Bibhuti Express. In Maner and Siwan, traffic was brought to a standstill as supporters of the INDIA bloc, including CPI(M) and RJD members, demonstrated with road blockades — at times even using buffaloes. In several areas like Araria, Katihar, Supaul, and Jehanabad, educational institutions and financial offices remained closed amid heightened police deployment. Opposition leaders slammed the Election Commission for launching the revision without prior consultation, accusing the move of being politically timed to suppress vulnerable voters.

The Election Commission defended its decision, stating that the last comprehensive revision in Bihar took place in 2003 and that a fresh audit was necessary due to urban migration, increasing first-time voters, and non-removal of deceased persons. However, the exclusion of Aadhaar, ration cards, and voter ID cards from the list of accepted documents has triggered backlash. Critics argue that relying on birth certificates and parental documents disproportionately affects the poor and undocumented citizens. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions against the move on Thursday, as tensions continue to simmer across the state over fears of large-scale voter exclusion.