Protest in Bihar Demanding for Resettlement of Displaced Manjhi Families

Hundreds of displaced Manjhi families staged a one-day protest at Buddha Statue Chowk in Patna on January 13, demanding resettlement after being forcefully evicted from their homes. The protesters raised slogans, criticizing the BJP-Nitish government for failing to provide housing to the poor while displacing marginalized communities in the name of "Smart City" development.

The protest was addressed by CPI(ML) MLA Gopal Ravidas, CPI(ML) MLC Shashi Yadav, AICCTU leader Ranvijay Kumar, and other leaders. Members of the displaced Manjhi families, including leaders like Sitabiya Devi and Dukhia Devi, also spoke during the demonstration.

The leaders condemned the Patna Municipal Corporation’s decision to install a permanent iron gate at the service lane near Buddha Statue Chowk, where over 100 Manjhi families had been living for three decades. Shashi Yadav said that the BJP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha and Urban Development Minister Nitin Nawin are orchestrating the eviction to benefit land mafia and builders.

Gopal Ravidas described the eviction as inhumane and blamed the BJP-JDU leadership for systematically targeting poor and marginalized communities in Patna. The protesters demanded:

1. Immediate removal of the Patna Municipal Commissioner.
2. Allocation of 5 decimals of land for landless families.
3. Provision of affordable housing for poor families in urban areas.
4. Resettlement of the displaced Manjhi families on government land near Buddha Statue Chowk.

The CPI(ML) and AICCTU leaders announced plans for an intensified agitation to ensure justice for the displaced families.