Rahul Gandhi launched the 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar today, August 17, 2025, from Sasaram. This 16-day long Yatra is a protest against alleged voter roll manipulation by the Election Commission (EC) ahead of the state elections. The Yatra, organized under the banner of the India Alliance, aims to raise awareness and protect voting rights, covering more than 20 districts of Bihar. It will cover 1,300 kilometers across Bihar, touching critical constituencies and rallying public support in areas where disenfranchisement allegations are most grave. The Yatra will culminate in a massive rally in Patna on September 1.
The 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' is a crucial step to fight for the "one person, one vote" principle. Rahul Gandhi has accused the EC of colluding with the BJP, a claim the EC denies. Opposition parties have also dubbed the intensive revision of electoral rolls as "Votebandi", claiming that it would put democracy in the state "under threat".
Senior leaders across the opposition spectrum, including Tejashwi Yadav, are expected to participate actively in this march. Tejashwi Yadav emphasized ensuring that no voter is excluded. He also released a campaign song for the Yatra on social media and appealed to the people of Bihar to join in large numbers.
The schedule for the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' is as follows: * August 17: Sasaram, Rohtas (Yatra begins) * August 18: Dev Road, Amba-Kundumba * August 19: Hanuman Mandir, Poonam, Wazirganj * August 20: Rest day * August 21: Teen Mohani Durga Mandir, Sheikhpura * August 22: Chandra Bagh Chowk, Munger * August 23: Kursela Chowk, Barari, Katihar * August 24: Khushkibaag, Katihar to Purnia * August 25: Rest day * August 26: Hussain Chowk, Supaul * August 27: Gangwara Mahavir Sthan, Darbhanga * August 28: Riga Road, Sitamarhi * August 29: Harivatika Gandhi Chowk, Bettiah * August 30: Ekma Chowk, Ekma Vidhan Sabha, Chhapra * August 31: Rest day * September 1: Grand finale rally in Patna
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera stated that the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' will be a milestone in the history of democracy. Rahul Gandhi has asserted that his party will ensure a clean voters' list across the country and that vote theft is not just an election issue but a decisive battle to protect democracy, the Constitution, and the principle of 'one man, one vote'.
