Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Power Yatra in Bihar Bolstered by Kanimozhi and M.K. Stalin

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is leading the 'Voter Power Yatra' in Bihar to protest alleged irregularities in the voter list revision process and to raise awareness about vote rigging ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Launched on August 17, 2025, the yatra has gained momentum with the participation of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, who joined Gandhi in a two-wheeler rally in Purnia district. The campaign is set to conclude with a grand public meeting in Patna on September 1, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and DMK Parliamentary Party leader Kanimozhi joining on August 27, strengthening the opposition’s unified front.

Objectives of the Voter Power Yatra

The Voter Power Yatra, also known as the Voter Adhikar Yatra, is a 16-day, 1,300-km campaign spanning over 20 districts in Bihar. Its primary goal is to safeguard the democratic principle of fair voting by addressing concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists conducted between June and July 2025. Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of enabling voter suppression, particularly affecting migrants and minority communities, through the deletion of approximately 6.5 million voters. The yatra aims to transform this protest into a mass movement, demanding transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Highlights of the Yatra’s Activities

The yatra has been marked by significant public engagement, with Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav interacting with people from diverse backgrounds across Bihar’s districts. A notable event was the two-wheeler rally in Purnia, where Gandhi and Yadav rode together to highlight issues like fake voters and discrepancies in the voter list, such as a 124-year-old voter being listed. The campaign, reminiscent of Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, combines foot marches and vehicle travel to connect with grassroots communities and amplify the opposition’s call for electoral integrity.

Support from M.K. Stalin and Kanimozhi

The inclusion of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and DMK leader Kanimozhi on August 27 underscores the yatra’s role as a unifying platform for the INDIA bloc. Their participation highlights the opposition’s collective resolve to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Bihar elections. Other prominent leaders, such as Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, are also expected to join, further boosting the campaign’s visibility and reinforcing the opposition’s commitment to protecting voter rights.

Controversy and ECI’s Response

The INDIA bloc, led by Rahul Gandhi, has accused the ECI of colluding with the BJP to manipulate voter lists, citing issues like deleted voter names and missing CCTV footage from polling stations. Gandhi has demanded public access to digital voter rolls for verification. In response, the ECI has refuted these allegations, with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar calling them baseless and urging Gandhi to substantiate his claims or issue an apology. This ongoing dispute has intensified the political atmosphere surrounding the yatra.

Political Implications for Bihar Elections

The Voter Power Yatra is a strategic move by the INDIA bloc to galvanize support in Bihar, a key electoral battleground. By bringing together leaders like M.K. Stalin, Kanimozhi, and Tejashwi Yadav, the campaign strengthens the RJD-Congress alliance and positions it as a formidable contender against the BJP-led NDA. The focus on voter rights and electoral transparency resonates with Bihar’s electorate, potentially influencing voter sentiment ahead of the November 2025 assembly elections.

Anticipation for the Patna Rally

The yatra’s culmination in Patna on September 1, 2025, is expected to be a massive show of strength for the INDIA bloc, with a public rally featuring key opposition leaders. The event aims to consolidate the campaign’s message of protecting voter rights and ensuring fair elections. As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, the yatra’s impact on public opinion and political dynamics will be closely watched. Citizens are encouraged to stay updated through reliable news sources for the latest developments on the Voter Power Yatra and its role in shaping Bihar’s electoral future.