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Patna – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched the 16-day Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, a major political campaign stretching across more than 1,300 kilometers and 20 districts. The march aims to protest what the Congress alleges is “vote theft” linked to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list.
The yatra began on August 17 in Sasaram and will conclude with a public rally in Patna on September 1. The launch was attended by senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, signaling growing unity among opposition parties.
In a post on social media, Rahul Gandhi stated,
“16 days, over 20 districts, more than 1,300 kilometers. We are reaching out to the people through the Voter Adhikar Yatra. This is a fight to protect the most basic democratic right – one person, one vote. Join us in Bihar to defend the Constitution.”
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh described the march as more than a political event, calling it a moral and constitutional mission to safeguard democracy and prevent the disenfranchisement of marginalized communities.
Full Route of the Yatra
August 17: Sasaram, Dehri-on-Sone (Rohtas)
August 18: Kutumba, Aurangabad, Deo, Guraru
August 19: Punama, Wazirganj, Gaya to Barbigha via Nawada
August 20: Rest Day
August 21: Teen Mohani Durga Mandir (Sheikhpura) to Munger via Sikandra, Jamui
August 22: Chandan Bagh Chowk (Munger) to Bhagalpur via Sultanganj
August 23: Barari, Kursela to Purnia via Korha, Katihar
August 24: Kushkibag (Purnia) to Narpatganj via Chandni Chowk, Araria
August 26: Hussain Chowk (Supaul) to Darbhanga via Phulparas, Sakri, Madhubani
August 27: Gangwara Mahaveer Sthan (Darbhanga) to Sitamarhi via Muzaffarpur
August 28: Riga Road (Sitamarhi) to West Champaran via Motihari
August 29: Bettiah (West Champaran) to Siwan via Gopalganj
August 30: Chapra (Saran) to Arrah (Bhojpur)
September 1: Final rally in Patna
Background
The Congress has strongly opposed the voter list revision exercise in Bihar, accusing the Election Commission of attempting to manipulate electoral rolls. The party claims the SIR process could suppress votes from disadvantaged communities and is demanding accountability and transparency.
Rahul Gandhi’s march is seen as an effort to rally public support, energize the opposition, and draw national attention to what the Congress sees as a serious threat to free and fair elections. The Voter Adhikar Yatra is likely to shape political discourse in Bihar in the lead-up to future polls.
