Tejashwi, Rahul Gandhi to Launch ‘Vote Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar Against Alleged Electoral Irregularities

Patna, Aug 2025 : Ahead of the launch of the ‘Vote Adhikar Yatra’ against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and alleged instances of “vote theft” in Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, on Saturday said the campaign is intended to raise awareness among voters, particularly those whose names have been deleted from the electoral rolls.

Calling the initiative a “historic yatra,” Yadav expressed confidence that the people of Bihar would “bless” the grand alliance (Mahagathbandhan) in its mission to safeguard voter rights.

“We are starting the ‘Vote Adhikar Yatra’ from Sasaram tomorrow with all Mahagathbandhan allies. Over the coming days, we will visit several districts to ensure that people understand their rights and that no voter is excluded from the rolls,” Yadav told reporters in Patna.

He pointed to the Supreme Court’s recent directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish the list of 65 lakh voters excluded or deleted from Bihar’s draft electoral roll, along with the reasons for their removal. “This is a fight we have been pursuing, and the Supreme Court has also recognised its importance,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi to Join the Campaign

Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is set to join the yatra in Sasaram on Sunday, along with other senior alliance leaders. Gandhi is expected to raise awareness about voter rights, address local issues, and present the Mahagathbandhan’s vision for Bihar if it comes to power.

“Rahul Gandhi and other leaders will go among the people to speak about their right to vote. We will also highlight local concerns and share what our vision for governance will be. This will be a historic journey, and we are confident that the people of Bihar will support us,” Yadav added.

Youth Congress Backs the Campaign

Indian Youth Congress national president Uday Bhanu Chib accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to “steal votes” and described the yatra as critical for protecting the Constitution.

“This yatra is not just important for Bihar but for the entire country,” Chib said. “Our Constitution gives people the greatest power—the right to vote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP tried to steal this right. There can be no bigger crime than this. Rahul Gandhi exposed their actions with evidence, and we will not allow this theft to happen again.”

Social Media Campaigns and Allegations Against ECI

Ahead of the yatra, Rahul Gandhi intensified his social media campaign, sharing a spoof video inspired by the film Missing Ladies. The video depicts a man filing a theft complaint at a police station. When asked what has been stolen, the man hesitantly replies, “Vote,” leaving the policeman stunned. The clip ends with the message: “Theft of your vote is theft of your right.”

In his Instagram caption, Gandhi wrote: “Chori-chori, chupke-chupke… ab ya nahi, janata jagah gayi hai” (Secretly, quietly… but not anymore, people are now awake), urging citizens to join the ‘Azadi from Vote Chori’ campaign.

Earlier this month, on August 7, Gandhi had lashed out at the ECI, calling elections in India “dramatized.” Presenting Congress’ findings from Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency, he alleged that over 1,00,250 votes had been stolen.

The ECI, however, has consistently challenged Gandhi’s claims, urging him to submit a signed declaration with supporting evidence of the alleged “vote theft.”

Growing Political Flashpoint

With the Bihar campaign kicking off on Sunday, the issue of voter deletions and alleged electoral irregularities is expected to become a major political flashpoint in the months leading up to upcoming state and national polls.

For the Mahagathbandhan, the ‘Vote Adhikar Yatra’ is not only about highlighting alleged failures of the Election Commission but also about mobilising grassroots support across Bihar.

As Yadav put it, “This journey is about giving every voter confidence that their voice will be heard, their name will remain on the rolls, and their right to vote will be protected.”

Team Maverick