Rahul Gandhi in Bihar, ‘Vote Rights Yatra’ Kicks Off from Sasaram Today
Patna (Bihar) : The political temperature in Bihar has risen sharply ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. While all parties are sharpening their strategies, the opposition and the ruling alliance are locked in a battle over the ongoing voter list revision. The opposition has accused the Election Commission of removing voters’ names under pressure from the ruling party. In response, the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) launched its ‘Vote Rights Yatra’ today.
Launch from Sasaram
The yatra began on August 17 from Sasaram in Rohtas district. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav are leading the campaign, joined by other senior leaders of the Mahagathbandhan. According to the opposition, the objective is to raise public awareness and build state-wide resistance against alleged “vote theft.”
Yatra Schedule
The march will last 16 days and cover 25 districts across Bihar, with three rest days in between. The campaign will conclude on September 1 with a massive rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna.
Key stopovers include:
- Aug 17: Sasaram (Rohtas)
- Aug 18: Aurangabad
- Aug 19: Gaya, Nalanda
- Aug 21: Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai
- Aug 22: Munger, Bhagalpur
- Aug 23: Katihar
- Aug 24: Purnea, Araria
- Aug 26: Supaul, Madhubani
- Aug 27: Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur
- Aug 28: Sitamarhi, Motihari
- Aug 29: Bettiah, Gopalganj, Siwan
- Aug 30: Chhapra, Ara
- Sep 1: Patna (Grand Rally at Gandhi Maidan)
Purpose and Message
The Mahagathbandhan has projected the yatra as a fight to protect democracy and voting rights, not just a political campaign. The opposition alleges that the BJP, in collusion with the Election Commission, is conspiring to disenfranchise voters through manipulation of the rolls.
Tejashwi Yadav said:
“No one’s vote should be deleted and the flame of democracy must not be extinguished. To ensure this, it is essential to stand up against authoritarian forces.”
Rahul Gandhi also urged people to join the campaign, describing it as a movement for “freedom from vote theft.”
Impact on Electoral Equations
Political analysts believe the ‘Vote Rights Yatra’ could become an important tool for the opposition to establish direct contact with the masses. Covering 25 districts, the campaign not only highlights the unity of the Mahagathbandhan but also serves as a platform to directly target the BJP-JDU alliance and shape the electoral narrative in Bihar.
