Bihar Bandh today, July 25: Why AISA has called a statewide protest, who is leading it and how commuters may be affected

A Bihar bandh called by the All India Students' Association (AISA) is being observed across the state on Saturday (July 25), with student groups holding protests to demand education reforms, NEET paper leak, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The bandh has prompted heavy security arrangements in Patna and other districts, while commuters have been advised to expect disruptions in some areas.

Authorities have deployed police and paramilitary personnel at key locations, and several student leaders were detained ahead of the protests.

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What is the Bihar bandh about?

The Bihar bandh has been called by AISA and other student organisations to highlight student issues, seek reforms in the education sector and press for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak.



AISA was scheduled to hold a youth and student march on Friday but postponed it to Saturday, saying heavy police deployment in Patna prompted the decision.

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Before her arrest, AISA state vice-president Saba Afreen said protesters had been asked to exercise restraint and ensure the demonstration remained peaceful so that the focus stayed on their demands.

How could the Bihar bandh affect you?

People travelling in Bihar on Saturday may face:

• Traffic diversions and road blockades in parts of Patna and other districts
• Delays in public transport in protest-hit areas
• Increased police checking and security at major junctions
• Congestion near universities, coaching hubs and government offices where demonstrations are expected

While no statewide closure of schools, banks or government offices has been officially announced, commuters are advised to check local traffic updates before travelling.

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Heavy police deployment across Bihar

Security has been tightened across the state ahead of the bandh.

According to police:

• More than 22 FIRs have been registered in connection with violence during the July 22 NEET protest.
• Around 60 people have been arrested.
• 14 companies of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in Patna district.

Patna SSP Kartikey Sharma said 90 people had been identified for allegedly trying to disturb peace through social media, adding that action was being taken against them.

Student leaders detained before the protest

Ahead of the Bihar bandh, police detained several leaders associated with the protest movement.

Those detained include:

• CPI(ML) MLA Sandeep Saurabh
• AISA state secretary Dipankar
• Patna University president Saba Afreen

In a video recorded before his detention, Saurabh alleged that police had detained everyone present at his residence, including visitors.

He accused the administration of creating an atmosphere of "pressure and terror" in Patna and claimed the government was unwilling to listen even though the students' demands were "very clear, straightforward and justified."

AISA says volunteers will ensure peaceful protests

AISA said nearly 100 volunteers would be deployed in Patna to help manage the march.

Organisers said volunteers would use microphones to maintain order and repeatedly appeal to protesters not to heckle media personnel.

The organisation has also shared helpline numbers on social media for reporting miscreants and said legal assistance would be provided to protesters if required.

Bihar government urges restraint

The Bihar government has directed district administrations and police officials to deal with the protests with sensitivity while maintaining law and order.

At a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, officials were instructed to ensure innocent students were not harassed and to promptly counter rumours and misinformation.

DGP (Operations) Kundan Krishnan also asked police officers to engage with students in an "empathetic" manner and avoid an "aggressive" approach.

Officials have additionally been directed to gather attendance records from coaching institutes and interact with students at Ambedkar hostels and student forums to address their concerns.

(With TOI and PTI inputs)