Synopsis: Voter Adhikar Yatra launched by Rahul Gandhi in Sasaram, Bihar, aims to protect voting rights and the Constitution. The 16-day march will cover 1,300 km across 20+ districts with INDIA bloc leaders joining.
By Qalam Times News Network | Sasaram | August 17, 2025
Rahul Gandhi Kicks Off Voter Adhikar Yatra in Sasaram
Voter Adhikar Yatra began on Sunday with Congress Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi flagging off the 16-day campaign from Sasaram, Bihar. Gandhi declared the march as a movement to safeguard the “most fundamental democratic right — one person, one vote.” He emphasized that the 1,300-kilometre journey through more than 20 districts will culminate in a mega rally in Patna on September 1.
Sharing details on X, Gandhi wrote, “16 days. 20+ districts. 1,300+ km. We are coming among the people with the Voter Adhikar Yatra. This is the fight to protect the most fundamental democratic right. Join us in Bihar to save the Constitution.”
Kharge Accuses BJP, RSS of Attacking Democracy
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing the rally, launched a sharp attack on the BJP and RSS, saying they were “dangerous for the poor, women, and youth.” He accused the ruling party of interfering in universities, textbooks, and even manipulating governors, calling them “Chamchas of the government.”
Kharge added, “We are fighting to save your votes. Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s Constitution guarantees equal rights to all, but Modi and the RSS want to snatch these rights. Not one of their people sacrificed during independence, and now they want to steal your mandate.” He also accused the Election Commission of acting as “an agent of the government.”
Allegations of Vote Theft Across States
At the Sasaram gathering, Gandhi alleged widespread “vote theft,” citing Maharashtra as an example where opinion polls predicted an INDIA bloc victory but BJP secured power through what he termed manipulated votes. “In the entire country, vote theft is going on,” he warned, vowing to resist such practices in Bihar.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also echoed this, accusing the Election Commission of removing genuine voters under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. “Attempts are being made not only to take away voting rights but to erase our very existence. We will not let it happen in Bihar,” Yadav said, adding a jibe at Prime Minister Modi: “He wants to apply choona to Bihar, but here choona is eaten with khaini.”
INDIA Bloc Stands United
Leaders across the INDIA bloc joined the Voter Adhikar Yatra. CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya accused the Election Commission of deleting over 65 lakh voters, calling it a planned “dacoity.” Mukesh Sahani of VIP alleged that the ECI was “in the pocket of Narendra Modi.”
RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad, despite medical advice to avoid large crowds, attended and compared the present situation to the Emergency. “Today is worse than the Emergency. We have sacrificed for democracy and will continue to do so to protect your voting rights,” he said.
Slogans and Public Sentiment
Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar declared, “This Yatra is not about forming government, but about saving voting rights.” Supporters at the venue raised slogans such as “Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod” and “Narendra Modi Vote Chor Hai.”
Meanwhile, BJP leaders dismissed the march. Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal mocked it as a “punctured tire” lacking public support, while state minister Ashok Choudhary suggested Gandhi should thank CM Nitish Kumar for improved roads enabling the Yatra.
What Lies Ahead
The Voter Adhikar Yatra will travel across 1,300 kilometres, with scheduled halts and mass rallies. The campaign is expected to intensify debates on voting rights, the credibility of the Election Commission, and the larger battle between the BJP-led government and INDIA bloc.
The concluding rally in Patna on September 1 is likely to bring together top Opposition leaders, making it a major show of strength ahead of Bihar’s assembly elections.
