Rahul Gandhi & Tejashwi Yadav Take Fight for Voters’ Rights to the Streets of Bihar
Patna, August 24, 2025 — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav hit the streets of Bihar on Sunday, launching a statewide motorcycle campaign, the “Voter Adhikar Yatra”, to protest against alleged large-scale deletions of names from the electoral rolls.
The yatra, which began in Purnia, saw both leaders ride motorcycles as crowds lined up along the roads to show support. The march is scheduled to continue across multiple districts of Bihar over the next 16 days, highlighting what the opposition calls a systematic attempt to “steal votes” ahead of upcoming elections.
Allegations of “Vote Theft”
Addressing supporters, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls had led to the removal of lakhs of names, many without proper verification.
“This is not just an error; it is an institutionalized method of stealing votes,” Gandhi declared, accusing the Election Commission of failing to protect the democratic rights of citizens.
Tejashwi Yadav echoed the concern, citing instances where voters were marked as “dead” or “shifted” despite being alive and residing at the same addresses. He claimed that marginalized communities were the most affected by these deletions.
INDIA Bloc Shows Unity
The campaign also served as a show of strength for the INDIA bloc, with Gandhi and Yadav announcing plans to release a common manifesto for the alliance in Bihar. They emphasized that the fight was not just political but a movement to safeguard democracy.
“The INDIA alliance stands united. We will not let the voices of Bihar’s people be silenced,” Yadav said at a press meet in Araria.
Judicial Backdrop
The controversy comes amid a Supreme Court directive asking the Election Commission to publish detailed reasons for voter deletions after it emerged that over 65 lakh names had been removed across states. The Court has also asked the EC to simplify the re-inclusion process to ensure no eligible voter is disenfranchised.
Political Impact
The yatra is expected to intensify the political heat in Bihar as elections draw closer. With increasing public participation, the campaign has already become a rallying point for opposition unity and voter rights advocacy.
Observers note that the move could significantly reshape electoral dynamics in the state, particularly if the INDIA bloc succeeds in mobilizing first-time and marginalized voters.
