In Bihar, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the opposition parties, including Congress, are continuously attacking the Election Commission regarding the Special Intensive Revision (LIR).
Vote Adhikar Yatra: In Bihar, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, opposition leaders have taken a significant step to highlight the state of voter rights and the electoral process. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will begin a 15-day 'Voter Rights Yatra' in Bihar from August 17th. He will be accompanied by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP) leader Mukesh Sahani, and several senior leaders from Left parties in this Yatra.
The Yatra will commence from Sasaram district and will pass through 21 districts across Bihar. The objective of the Yatra is not merely public relations but to expose alleged irregularities in the voter list (LIR – Special Intensive Revision) before the assembly elections. The opposition alleges that the names of millions of voters from backward and minority communities are being removed from the voter list, and bogus voters are being added in the state.
Detailed Schedule of the Yatra
The Maha-Yatra will begin from Sasaram. Subsequently, the Yatra will pass through Aurangabad → Gaya → Wazirganj → Nawada → Sheikhpura → Lakhisarai → Munger → Bhagalpur → Katihar → Purnia → Araria → Madhubani → Darbhanga → Sitamarhi → East Champaran → West Champaran → Gopalganj → Siwan → Saran districts, respectively. The Yatra will conclude on August 31st in Ara district, and the next day, on September 1st, it will conclude with a large rally in Patna.
During the Yatra, various public meetings will be organized, which will be in hybrid mode, similar to the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.' Rahul Gandhi and other leaders will share the stage and address the public on voter rights, electoral transparency, and the importance of democratic processes.
Opposition's Attack on the Election Commission
The Voter Rights Yatra is planned at a time when the Election Commission is facing opposition attacks regarding the LIR (Special Intensive Revision) in Bihar. Opposition parties say that the Election Commission's actions in the state are against democratic values and the rights of poor, backward, and minority communities. The Congress and RJD have termed it 'votebandi' (vote blocking) and 'daylight robbery of votes.'
The opposition claims that through this Yatra, the message will reach the citizens of Bihar that every voter's right should be protected in a democracy, and they should not be deprived of it by any kind of arbitrariness. Party leaders say that through this Yatra, Rahul Gandhi will try to expose the alleged rigging related to the election not only in Bihar but across the country.
Political and Social Significance of the Yatra
This Yatra is not limited to electoral issues only. It is an attempt to establish communication with the broader public of Bihar, especially the voters from backward and minority communities. The leaders of the Grand Alliance believe that this Yatra will send an important message towards strengthening democracy and transparency at the state and national levels.
During the Yatra, leaders will also communicate with the public on climate, floods, and other local issues. Earlier, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had reviewed the relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas through video conferencing. The administration was instructed to remain on alert mode in the riverbank areas and provide timely assistance to the affected people.
Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav sharing a stage in the 'Voter Rights Yatra' is considered a symbol of the strength and unity of the Grand Alliance in Bihar politics. During this Yatra, a message focused on voter rights, electoral process, and democratic values in the state will be given.
