The political landscape in Bihar is buzzing as the Congress party’s highly anticipated Voter Adhikar Yatra reaches its grand finale. This isn’t just any yatra; it’s a statement, a movement, and a clear message from the opposition. Today, the campaign culminates in a symbolic padyatra, or foot march, beginning at Gandhi Maidan in Patna.
This final march, aptly named ‘Gandhi se Ambedkar,’ is set to kick off at 10 AM from Gandhi Maidan Gate No. 1. The route will cover approximately four kilometers, guiding participants through key landmarks like SP Verma Road, Dakbangla Chauraha, Kotwali Police Station, Income Tax Golambar, and Nehru Path, before concluding at the revered Ambedkar statue. It’s a journey designed to evoke historical significance and reinforce the message of electoral rights.
The sheer scale of participation expected is truly notable. Organizers anticipate a massive turnout of around one lakh people. This includes a powerful lineup of senior leaders from the Mahagathbandhan, Bihar’s grand alliance, showcasing their united front.
The Voter Adhikar Yatra itself has been an extensive undertaking. It has meticulously traversed 25 districts across Bihar, covering an impressive distance of more than 1,300 kilometers. This tireless effort has been aimed at building significant momentum in the lead-up to the crucial Assembly elections in Bihar. The opposition INDIA bloc has been vocal in presenting this initiative as a genuine people’s movement, specifically targeting what they term ‘vote theft’ in the state.
Adding star power and political weight to the concluding procession will be several prominent figures. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is expected to be at the forefront. Alongside him, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, Communist Party of India Marxist Leninist Liberation (CPI-ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) leader Mukesh Sahani are all slated to lead the march from Gandhi Maidan to Ambedkar Park. Their presence underscores the broad-based support and collaborative spirit driving this campaign.
The journey of the Voter Adhikar Yatra began on August 17, originating from Sasaram. Since its inception, it has made its way through a vast array of districts, leaving a significant impact in each. These include Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Araria, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, both East and West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chhapra, and Ara, before finally reaching the state capital, Patna.
The core purpose behind the Congress’s Voter Adhikar Yatra is to register a strong protest against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive. The yatra, which commenced earlier this month, has garnered widespread support from various members of the INDIA bloc. This includes participation from influential opposition leaders, further amplifying its reach and message. Such personalities include Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav, who joined the yatra in Bihar’s Saran district. In a testament to its national significance, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also lent his support, marking the campaign as a pan-India opposition initiative.
Throughout the extensive campaign, a consistent theme has emerged: unity amongst the leaders. They have consistently displayed a united front, using every platform to allege collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission. Their central contention revolves around the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which they claim is being manipulated. The Voter Adhikar Yatra has served as a powerful vehicle to voice these concerns, bringing them to the forefront of public discourse in Bihar.