The “Betrayal Day” or “Biswasghat Divas” bandh in Bihar called by the BJP has turned violent, as JD(U) workers led by Rajiv Ranjan tried to confront BJP workers outside the BJP office in Patna. Many workers from both parties were injured in the clashes. Situation is said to be under control. Heavy police deployment has been made to restore law and order.
The BJP’s ‘Bihar Bandh’ in protest against JD(U) decision to snap 17-year-old ties with it, has begun this morning. Many shops and business establishments remain closed. Buses and autos stay off the road. The BJP cadres stalled the bus and train services elsewhere in the state. Senior leaders such as Sushil Kumar Modi, Mangal Pandey, Nand Kisore Yadav, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Shahnawaz Hussain are spearheading the protests against Nitish Kumar.
The JD(U) workers armed with lathis, marched towards the BJP office in Patna and shouted slogans. That provoked the BJP workers to respond with pro-Narendra Modi slogans. Heated arguments led to violent clashes with cadres from both parties attacking each other. The JD(U) accused the BJP of resorting to goondaism. The BJP has slammed its ex-ally for provoking its cadres during a peaceful bandh and wondered why Rajiv Ranjan led a huge march to its party office in Patna to confront the BJP workers with provoking statements and slogans.