The political landscape in Bihar is buzzing as the Congress party’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ wraps up today in Patna. This isn’t just any ordinary march; it’s a significant show of force by the Opposition INDIA bloc, aiming to spotlight what they call “vote theft” as the 2025 Assembly elections draw closer. It’s a bold move, designed to rally the public and educate them on their electoral rights. It’s a march with a purpose: political awareness.
Today’s climax is a powerful symbolic padyatra, or foot march, beginning bright and early at 10 am from Gandhi Maidan. This four-kilometre route, aptly named ‘Gandhi se Ambedkar’, traces a path from Gate No. 1 of Gandhi Maidan. From there, participants will wind their way through key locations like SP Verma Road, Dakbangla Chauraha, Kotwali Police Station, Income Tax Golambar, and Nehru Path, before finally reaching the Ambedkar statue. Imagine the scene: an estimated one lakh people, including top-tier leaders from the Mahagathbandhan, all marching together. It’s a striking visual of unity and determination, a major event for the Voter Adhikar.
The journey so far has been nothing short of immense. Launched on August 17 from Sasaram, the yatra has crisscrossed an astounding 25 districts, covering over 1,300 kilometres. It’s been a whirlwind tour, building serious momentum and engaging with countless citizens across the state. The route included major hubs like Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, East and West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chhapra, and Ara, before making its grand entry into the state capital. This extensive coverage underscores the Opposition’s commitment to their cause and to the Voter Adhikar campaign.
And who will be leading this powerful concluding procession? Expect to see some very familiar faces at the forefront. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will be there, alongside RJD stalwart Tejashwi Yadav, CPI-ML’s Dipankar Bhattacharya, and VIP’s Mukesh Sahani. Their presence amplifies the message, adding significant weight to the protest. The coming together of such prominent figures demonstrates a formidable alliance, united in their message about the Voter Adhikar.
The ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s a direct response to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive, which the Congress and its allies view with suspicion. They contend that the BJP, in alleged collusion with the Election Commission, is manipulating the electoral rolls through this revision process. This yatra, therefore, serves as a powerful protest against these perceived irregularities, an outcry for fairness and transparency in the democratic process. It is all about protecting the spirit of the Voter Adhikar.
Throughout the campaign, the unity among the INDIA bloc members has been a recurring theme. We saw Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav joining the yatra in Bihar’s Saran district, adding his voice to the chorus. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also participated, further broadening the coalition’s reach and influence. Their combined presence has sent a clear message: the opposition is united, strong, and determined to fight for what they believe are the rights of every Voter Adhikar. The political climate is heating up in Bihar, and this yatra is a clear indicator of the intensity to come ahead of the 2025 elections. It’s a pivotal moment, shaping the narrative for future political battles.