Tejashwi Yadav, Misa Bharti, Mukesh Sahani Taken Into Custody During Patna SIR Protest

October 8, 2026

Patna: Grand Alliance leaders and workers held a protest march in Patna on Thursday against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. Tensions escalated between police and protesters during the protest, leading to the detention of Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, RJD Lok Sabha MP Misa Bharti, and VIP chief Mukesh Sahni.

The protest was organized to support the opposition’s allegations against the SIR process and the demand for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

Tejashwi Yadav climbs barricade

Police had erected barricades at several locations to prevent protesters from proceeding towards Lok Bhavan. During the march, Tejashwi Yadav climbed a barricade and tried to proceed, leading to a scuffle with police officers.

Following this, the police detained Tejashwi Yadav, Misa Bharti, and Mukesh Sahni. Later, the three leaders were taken to Lok Bhavan, where a delegation from the Grand Alliance was to submit a memorandum to the Governor.

Tejashwi said, “Our demand is fair elections.”

During the protest, Tejashwi Yadav stated that the opposition’s main demand is free and fair elections. He also questioned the deployment of armed police personnel during the protest and alleged that excessive security measures were being deployed against the opposition.

Tejashwi reiterated the opposition’s allegations regarding the SIR process, saying that a large number of voters were affected by it. He said that the Grand Alliance has consistently raised its concerns with the Election Commission and is now demanding an answer from the Commission.

Allegations leveled during the protest

Tensions escalated during the protest when several Grand Alliance leaders climbed onto an SDPO vehicle. Mukesh Sahni alleged that his finger was injured during the protest.

India Inclusive Party leader I.P. Gupta also alleged that police batons were pushed into his stomach. However, these allegations could not be independently confirmed.

Tight security arrangements in Patna

In view of the protest, the Patna administration had made elaborate security arrangements. Barricades were erected at several locations, and vehicles equipped with water cannons were also on standby. A large number of Bihar Police personnel were deployed.

Multiple layers of security were put in place in sensitive areas and routes leading to Lok Bhavan to prevent breaches of the security cordon and regulate traffic.

The detained leaders were taken to Lok Bhavan as part of the process of submitting a memorandum to the Governor. Further clarity is expected after the delegation’s meeting with the Governor.