Congress state president Rajesh Ram on Thursday climbed a barricade in Patna, Bihar, while holding handcuffs and a copy of the Constitution during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstration followed a meeting with Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, where opposition leaders raised concerns over alleged electoral irregularities.

Rajesh Ram submitted a memorandum to the Governor highlighting two main points related to what he described as vote theft and the manner in which the Commissioner had addressed the issue. He stated that even Gyanesh Kumar’s authorised spokesperson had admitted some irregularities took place. Ram further said Gyanesh Kumar is working like a criminal and has held the entire democracy hostage.

Assembly Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav also spoke at the protest. He said the administration’s conduct showed complete dictatorship, noting that AK-47s were deployed. Yadav added that students had earlier been fired upon and that firing at leaders was the only thing left. He asserted that no one can end the Constitution and democracy of the country, describing Bihar as the mother of democracy. Yadav also recalled that the INDIA bloc was launched in Bihar and that the SIR also began in the state.

The protest in Patna brought together Congress and other opposition figures who used symbolic actions and public statements to voice their objections to the Chief Election Commissioner’s role and the reported handling of electoral matters. Leaders emphasised the protection of democratic processes and the Constitution amid the demonstrations.