Protests Erupt in Bihar Against Special Intensive Review by NSUI
Protests erupted in Bihar as NSUI workers demonstrated against the Special Intensive Review conducted by the Election Commission. The Congress party criticized the NDA government for failing to address unemployment and the chaotic situation in the state. Police intervened with water cannons as activists attempted to breach barricades, leading to multiple arrests. Opposition leaders also protested outside the Bihar Assembly, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming state elections. The situation highlights the growing unrest among the youth demanding jobs and clarity from the government.
Jul 24, 2025, 16:28 IST
Protests by NSUI Workers in Bihar
The Indian National Students' Organization (NSUI), affiliated with the Congress party, staged protests on Thursday against the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) in the election-bound state of Bihar. During the demonstration in Patna, police used water cannons on the activists as they attempted to dismantle barricades set up by law enforcement, leading to several arrests.
Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan criticized the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government for its failure to address rising unemployment, stating that the state has descended into chaos and disorder.
Speaking to a news outlet, the Congress leader emphasized that the youth are demanding jobs and are against migration. He pointed out that the atmosphere in Bihar is one of turmoil, and the government is unable to provide answers or clarifications, leaving Congress with no option but to protest.
At the protest site, Patna's Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order), Govind Pandey, stated that the road must be cleared, or school buses would be halted. He noted that an ambulance was already stuck due to the demonstration.
According to the ADM, the area was congested with school buses arriving, but no permissions had been granted for the protest. He insisted on clearing the road as school buses and an ambulance were trapped behind the protest. During the demonstration, NSUI activists were seen pushing against the barricades and attempting to climb over them while being sprayed with water by the police. Amid a heavy police presence, officials tried to push back all unauthorized protesters who had managed to breach the barricades and sit in protest.
Earlier in the day, opposition leaders in the state protested outside the Bihar Assembly regarding the Special Intensive Review exercise being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) ahead of the state elections expected later this year in October or November, although the ECI has yet to announce official dates. In Delhi, the Indian Bloc also continued its protests for the fourth consecutive day within the Parliament premises, where MPs gathered at the Makar Gate demanding the cessation of this exercise.