The political atmosphere in Bihar witnessed a major development today as Congress leader and Member of Parliament Priyanka Gandhi joined the ongoing Voter Rights Yatra. This yatra has been organized to protest against the alleged deletion of more than 65 lakh voter names under the Special Summary Revision (SIR) process carried out by the Election Commission.
Her participation added fresh energy to the campaign which is being led by Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav.
Beginning of the Yatra from Supaul District
On its tenth day, the Voter Rights Yatra began from Supaul district in Bihar. The rally is planned to travel through several key regions, covering important constituencies that have been the focus of political debates.
Today’s leg of the journey started with large gatherings of local supporters. Chants in favor of restoring the deleted names echoed across the streets. The organizers emphasized that the yatra symbolizes the fight to protect democracy and the constitutional right to vote.
Route of the Yatra Towards Darbhanga
The yatra has been covering various towns and villages across Bihar. After beginning in Supaul, the caravan is expected to pass through Madhubani before halting at the Darbhanga base camp.
At every stop, local leaders, workers, and volunteers are joining the movement, adding to its momentum. The campaign has become more than just a political march; it has turned into a symbolic movement demanding electoral justice.
Enthusiasm Among Workers and Supporters
The presence of Priyanka Gandhi in today’s event created visible excitement among party workers. They raised slogans welcoming her and expressed their confidence in the leadership of the Congress party. Many of them believe that her participation brings national attention to the issue of voter deletions.
Large numbers of supporters lined up on the route, waving flags and chanting slogans. Local women and youth were seen marching with the convoy, holding placards demanding fair elections.
Leaders of INDIA Alliance Participate
The Voter Rights Yatra has become a united platform for opposition parties under the INDIA alliance. Apart from Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also joined the campaign today.
Several other leaders of the alliance were present, giving strength to the joint opposition effort. Their presence signals that the issue of voter rights is not limited to Bihar alone but is being projected as a national concern.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy started after reports claimed that more than 65 lakh names were deleted from the electoral rolls under the Election Commission’s SIR process. Opposition parties alleged that the exercise was carried out without transparency and disproportionately affected marginalized groups and weaker sections of society.
According to them, the move amounts to voter suppression and an attack on the democratic rights of citizens. They argue that the right to vote is fundamental and cannot be undermined by technical errors or administrative lapses.
Rahul Gandhi’s Involvement and Message
Rahul Gandhi, who has been at the forefront of the Bharat Jodo Yatra earlier, is now leading this voter rights campaign with equal determination. He has been addressing gatherings at different stops, emphasizing that democracy cannot survive without free and fair elections.
In his speeches, he highlighted the importance of voter inclusion and accused the government of trying to manipulate the electoral process. His presence has energized Congress workers, who see the campaign as a continuation of his mass outreach strategy.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Strong Stand
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, has also taken a strong stand on this issue. He has been consistently vocal about protecting the rights of the poor and backward classes in the electoral process.
During the yatra, he accused the ruling authorities of targeting certain communities to weaken the opposition’s vote bank. He reiterated that voting is the backbone of democracy and every citizen’s right must be preserved.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Symbolic Entry
Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into the yatra is symbolic in many ways. Her presence not only boosts the morale of Congress supporters but also signals the party’s seriousness in taking the issue to the national stage.
She interacted with workers along the route, listened to their concerns, and assured them of strong representation. Her speeches highlighted that protecting voter rights is not about politics but about safeguarding democracy itself.
Participation of Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
The inclusion of Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy added another layer of importance to the event. His participation reflects the unity of different regional and national parties under the INDIA alliance banner.
His speech focused on how voter rights are being challenged across states, not just in Bihar. He urged people to join the movement and resist any attempt to weaken democratic institutions.
Growing Scale of the Yatra
What started as a regional campaign has now become a national talking point. With prominent leaders joining day by day, the Voter Rights Yatra is receiving wide media attention. The growing crowds, street meetings, and social media coverage are giving it a larger than expected scale.
The journey across Bihar is being described as an effort to reconnect with the masses, especially at a time when voter discontent is high. The issue of electoral deletions has resonated strongly in rural areas where awareness and access to redressal mechanisms are limited.
Voices of the People
Ordinary citizens along the yatra route expressed both frustration and hope. Some said their names were missing from the voter list despite holding valid voter ID cards. Others complained that the process to restore names is complex and time-consuming.
For them, the campaign has brought visibility to their struggles. Many believe that the involvement of senior leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi can compel the Election Commission to review the deletions.
Challenges Ahead for the Campaign
While the yatra has attracted attention, challenges remain. The ruling parties have dismissed the allegations, saying that the deletions were part of routine corrections. They argue that duplication, deaths, and migration caused the names to be struck off.
Opposition leaders, however, insist that the scale of deletions is too large to be routine. The challenge for the campaign will be to sustain public attention and translate it into tangible changes before elections.
Role of the INDIA Alliance
The unity displayed by the INDIA alliance during this campaign is significant. It shows that opposition parties are ready to collaborate on issues beyond electoral politics.
By focusing on voter rights, they are trying to present themselves as defenders of democracy and inclusive governance. The success of the yatra could strengthen their alliance further in the run-up to elections.
Emotional Connect with Bihar
Bihar has historically been a politically active state where movements often gain national prominence. From the JP Movement to the Mandal agitation, the state has shaped national politics many times.
The Voter Rights Yatra being held here reflects the attempt to tap into that legacy. Leaders believe that if the campaign succeeds in Bihar, it can create ripples across the country.
Media Coverage and Digital Campaign
The yatra is being actively covered by national and regional media houses. Social media platforms are flooded with images and videos from the campaign trail. Congress leaders are using digital platforms to amplify their message and reach young voters.
The use of hashtags, live streams, and short video clips is helping spread the movement beyond Bihar’s borders. It has become both a ground campaign and a digital campaign, working together to highlight the issue.
The participation of Priyanka Gandhi in the Voter Rights Yatra has given the movement new momentum. Along with Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, and Revanth Reddy, the campaign has become a symbol of opposition unity under the INDIA alliance.
With the deletion of 65 lakh voter names at the center of the controversy, the issue has struck an emotional chord with citizens. The yatra’s journey through Supaul, Madhubani, and Darbhanga is not just a political march but a call to defend democracy.
As the campaign grows, the coming days will reveal whether the Election Commission responds to the demands or whether the issue becomes a major electoral battle point. For now, the Voter Rights Yatra is making its presence felt across Bihar and slowly across India.
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