Why is the Bihar BJP calling for a state-wide bandh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP's Bandh: A strategic move to rally support.
- Political Climate: Highlights the intense rivalry among political parties in Bihar.
- Public Sentiment: A test of BJP's ability to mobilize while in power.
- Emergency Services: Exempt from the bandh's restrictions.
- NDA Support: Full backing from coalition allies.
Patna, Sep 3 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared a Bihar Bandh for Thursday as a reaction to the purported derogatory comments directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his deceased mother amidst the ongoing political conflict.
This action is deemed unconventional, especially since the BJP is a part of the ruling NDA coalition in the state.
Political analysts view this bandh as a crucial test of the BJP's capacity to rally public support while in power.
Senior leaders from the BJP have vehemently criticized the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress.
Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary stated, "In Bihar politics, objectionable remarks were made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother from the Opposition's platform. This highlights their mindset."
Previously, Prime Minister Modi referred to the incident as indicative of the Opposition's malicious ideology, expressing his belief that the citizens of Bihar will respond democratically and appropriately in the forthcoming elections.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha intensified the discourse by saying: "The nation's biggest bad sons are Sonia Gandhi-Rabri Devi's sons Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. They must apologize to the nation."
The BJP leadership, spanning from the top echelons to grassroots, has condemned the Opposition, framing this controversy as a matter of political culture and familial respect.
The bandh will take place from 7 a.m. to 12 noon, with emergency services and rail operations being exempted.
Allies of the NDA have fully endorsed the bandh, which will be prominently led by the BJP Mahila Morcha—a first in Bihar's political history.
Throughout the shutdown, roads and traffic will be blocked, while rail services will proceed as normal.
The Mahagathbandhan, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, had initiated the Voter Adhikar Yatra to contest the voter list revisions made by the Election Commission.
During its Darbhanga segment, objectionable statements were reportedly made about PM Modi's late mother in front of top leaders from the Congress and RJD.
This incident has incited widespread outrage in Bihar, resulting in sharp denunciations from the BJP and its allies.