Patna braces for Bhim Army bandh, RJD rally today

PATNA: The district administration is on its toes as the nationwide bandh called by Bhim Army and supported by some opposition parties in the state and launch of ‘Berojgari Hatao Yatra’ by leader of opposition in state assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav from Veterinary College ground here might disrupt vehicular traffic and train movement on Sunday.
The ‘chakka jam’ by Bhim Army could see buses and autorickshaws staying off the roads. Tens of hundreds of vehicles to be brought by RJD supporters for Tejashwi’s yatra, on the other hand, may also hit traffic in the city.
Some non-NDA parties in the state and Imarat Shariya have supported the bandh called by Bhim Army against the Supreme Court’s ruling that the states are not bound to give reservation in government jobs and promotion. Other issues, such as alleged atrocities on dalits, CAA and NRC will also be raised by Bhim Army during the bandh.
Jan Adhikar Party-Loktantrik (JAP-L) chief Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav and HAM (S) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi have said they would hit the roads along with their party workers on Sunday in support of the bandh. Bhim Army state general secretary Amar Jyoti said they will not allow vehicular movement during the bandh. However, emergency services will be spared, Jyoti added.
Bihar State Auto Chalak Sangh’s general secretary Raj Kumar Jha said only 25% autorickshaws would be available on the roads on Sunday. “Many auto drivers have also supported the bandh,” Jha said.
However, state transport department secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal said government buses would ply as usual.
Shopkeepers have also decided to play it safe during Sunday’s bandh. “I will open my shop only after lunch,” said Anil Juneja, owner of a shop at Hathwa Market.
Mahima Singh, a local, said, “I had planned to meet my friends over lunch on Sunday. However, I do not want to take any risk as the ruckus created by RJD and JAP(L) activists during December 21 bandh is still fresh in my mind.”