Pappu calls for bandh in Purnia and Katihar during PM’s Bhagalpur visit

Patna: Alleging discrimination against the Seemanchal-Kosi region of the state, Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, alias Pappu Yadav, on Sunday called for a bandh in Purnia and Katihar on Monday — the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Bhagalpur to release the 19th instalment of ‘PM Kisan Samman Nidhi'.
Describing the visit as a "political tour", Yadav said, "The PM should also tell what happened to the crop insurance scheme, MSP, mandi system and his promises to reopen closed factories."
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the Purnia MP accused the Centre of showing gross neglect towards the region, which he claimed produces 90% of makhana, is emerging as another centre of tea cultivation and is also known for its maize.
"First, the AIIMS announced for Saharsa was taken away to Darbhanga, and now Makhana Board is being snatched from Purnia, which is a gross injustice, and we won't be mute spectators," Yadav said, adding that Darbhanga should have been given an AIIMS, but it was not proper to take it away from Saharsa.
He demanded that a Makhana Board be set up in Purnia, failing which they would launch an intense agitation.
He threatened to disrupt rail and road services completely in the Seemanchal region if the govt doesn't pay attention to his demands. "Won't allow any train to reach Delhi if the govt doesn't pay attention to our demands," he threatened.
Further, he sought to make Purnia the sub-capital of Bihar and a high court bench there, urging all the MLAs and MPs from the Kosi-Seemanchal region to lend support to his stir.