Congress leader Rahul Gandhi continued his sharp criticism of the Modi government during his Voter Rights Yatra in Bihar. On Wednesday, while addressing supporters in Muzaffarpur, Rahul Gandhi described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a follower of former US President Donald Trump. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he alleged that while Trump called for a ceasefire within 24 hours, Modi agreed in just five hours.

The Congress leader’s remarks added fuel to the ongoing political storm, as the opposition INDIA alliance seeks to intensify its campaign in Bihar ahead of upcoming elections. Rahul’s speeches targeted issues of voter fraud, economic policies, and BJP’s governance model, resonating with large crowds gathered across different assembly segments.

Start of the Voter Rights Yatra in Darbhanga

Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Rights Yatra began in the morning from Jeevach Ghat in Darbhanga before reaching Muzaffarpur by noon. He was accompanied by Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, and leaders from CPI(ML) and VIP. Thousands of supporters lined the streets, raising slogans against the BJP and demanding electoral accountability.

The enthusiasm of the crowd reflected the INDIA bloc’s attempt to challenge BJP’s narrative in Bihar by focusing on allegations of voter manipulation. Rahul Gandhi repeatedly stressed that the ruling government has benefitted from what he termed “vote theft,” linking it to the larger struggle for democracy.

Rahul Gandhi: “Bihar’s Development is Our Priority”

Addressing a massive rally, Rahul Gandhi expressed gratitude to the people for joining the yatra. He claimed that the Congress had exposed evidence of voter fraud but instead of action against BJP, the Election Commission targeted the opposition. He stated that preventing voter theft, ensuring progress, and Bihar’s development remain top priorities.

Rahul also criticized the Gujarat Model, labeling it not as a model of economic progress but as a model of voter fraud. He accused BJP of implementing this model across the country, undermining democracy.

Attacks on Modi and Trump Connection

During his Muzaffarpur speech, Rahul Gandhi called Prime Minister Modi a “shadow of Donald Trump.” He alleged that Modi compromised India’s sovereignty by stopping Operation Sindoor on Trump’s request, even though Indian forces were prepared to respond strongly to Pakistan. According to Rahul, this proves that Modi’s government prioritizes foreign influence over national interest.

Voices from the INDIA Alliance

The rally also saw fiery speeches from other INDIA alliance leaders. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav attacked the state government, calling it corrupt and ineffective. He declared that people now demand a government of “employment, medicine, and accountability” instead of one run on bribes.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin compared Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav to “two brothers” working together for social justice. He emphasized that the INDIA bloc is united to carry forward the fight started by Lalu Prasad Yadav for secularism and social equality. Stalin asserted that Bihar’s results will act as a benchmark for the national elections.

Priyanka Gandhi’s Call for Voter Rights

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi addressed supporters in Madhubani before joining Rahul in Muzaffarpur. She reminded people that the vote is the most valuable right, urging them not to let it be stolen. Priyanka criticized Modi for accusing Congress of stealing cattle during elections while BJP “steals votes.” She said the land of Mithila has always symbolized courage and must once again rise to defend democracy.

Symbolic Ride and Public Interaction

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were seen riding together on a motorcycle during the yatra, symbolizing unity and determination. Several times, Rahul stopped his jeep to greet supporters, shake hands, and interact with crowds lining the roads. Slogans like “vote chor gaddi chhodo” echoed throughout the journey, as local communities, including ASHA workers, welcomed the Congress leader.

Accusations on Anonymous Political Parties

Rahul Gandhi also raised questions about the source of funding for anonymous political parties in Gujarat. He claimed that such parties, which rarely contest elections, collected over ₹4300 crore in donations without accountability. He demanded that the Election Commission require affidavits and financial transparency from these parties as well, questioning why BJP’s allies remain unchecked.

JDU Counters Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations

Meanwhile, JDU leaders dismissed Rahul’s claims, accusing him of preparing excuses for a potential defeat in Bihar. JDU spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said that the Gandhi family has historically undermined democracy by imposing Emergency and attacking the Constitution. He claimed Rahul’s talk of voter theft is merely a scripted narrative to justify poor performance in the upcoming polls.

Travel Route and Security Arrangements

The yatra disrupted regular traffic in Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur, with thousands thronging the streets. Authorities implemented diversions and traffic restrictions between 6 am and 3 pm. Rahul’s convoy included open jeeps and motorcycles, with security personnel running alongside in crowded areas.

The yatra is scheduled to continue through Muzaffarpur and end in Sitamarhi, where leaders will halt for the night. On August 30, the journey will reach Ara, and on September 1, it will culminate at Gandhi Maidan in Patna with a grand rally.

Significance of the Voter Rights Yatra

The Congress and INDIA bloc have projected the Voter Rights Yatra as a direct fight against what they call BJP’s strategy of “vote theft.” The campaign is not just about Bihar but aims to build national momentum ahead of the 2025 assembly elections and beyond.

By bringing together leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, MK Stalin, and soon Akhilesh Yadav, the opposition hopes to project unity and counter BJP’s dominance. The focus on voter rights highlights issues of electoral transparency, accountability, and the need to protect democracy.

Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar visit has turned into a high-stakes political showdown, with sharp attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and allegations of voter fraud dominating the discourse. By linking Modi with Trump and framing BJP as a party dependent on vote theft, Rahul has attempted to create a strong narrative for the INDIA bloc.

The coming days will reveal whether this campaign translates into political gains, but for now, the Voter Rights Yatra has succeeded in capturing public attention and setting the tone for Bihar’s political battleground.