The Congress party is taking inspiration from Rahul Gandhi’s recent Voter Adhikar Yatra. They plan to connect electoral roll issues with government welfare schemes. This strategy aims to become a central theme ahead of the Bihar assembly polls. Party leaders believe this approach will resonate deeply with voters.
At least three Congress functionaries shared insights with HT. They confirmed that Gandhi has already set the groundwork. His fortnight-long yatra in Bihar emphasized voting rights. The message was clear and direct.
Gandhi repeatedly highlighted a crucial point during his tour. He stated that the Constitution guarantees every adult the right to vote. If a voter’s name is removed, that right is denied. More importantly, other rights and privileges become questionable.
A senior party leader elaborated on this perspective. He explained that missing voter names affect more than just elections. Access to government sops and welfare programs could be jeopardized. This creates a broader sense of insecurity among citizens.
The Election Commission has not yet announced the Bihar election schedule. It is widely expected to be held in October or November. The 2020 polls began on October 28. Results were declared on November 10.
The issue of alleged vote theft has sparked a major confrontation. The Opposition and the Election Commission are at odds. Gandhi’s yatra brought significant attention to this problem.
He even met with a group of seven individuals. These people were declared dead in Bihar’s draft electoral roll. This meeting put the voter roll issue at the forefront.
The Congress leadership wants to expand this narrative further. They intend to link voting rights to various government privileges. This includes sops and welfare schemes offered to the people.
A second leader confirmed this strategic direction. The goal is to show that a missing vote has wider implications. It is not just about electoral participation.
Gandhi was vocal during his yatra speeches. He called vote theft an assault on the Constitution. He pledged that such assaults would not be tolerated.
This effort also ties into the party’s campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Gandhi had previously raised concerns about constitutional assaults. He suggested it was a ploy to remove reservations.
The ruling BJP has denied these charges. Nonetheless, the Congress is building its campaign around this theme. They believe it will strike a chord with the electorate.
Linking votes to benefits is a calculated move. It aims to highlight the practical consequences of electoral discrepancies. Voters are encouraged to see the bigger picture.
The party hopes this message will mobilize support. It frames the issue in terms of everyday rights and benefits. This makes it more relatable to the common person.