Bihar, August 16, 2025 — In a move that’s sure to shake things up politically, Rahul Gandhi is all set to launch the “Vote Adhikar Yatra” (Voter Rights March) starting August 17, aimed at shining a light on the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Here’s the plan:

• The yatra kicks off in Sasaram with a grand launch rally and will crisscross the state over the next two weeks, covering 20 to 25 districts and over 50 assembly seats, including key areas like Shahabad, Magadh, Kosi, Seemanchal, Mithila, Tirhut, Shahabad, as well as Gaya, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnia, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Pashchim Champaran—and ending in Arrah by August 30.

What’s at stake?

According to Rahul and Congress, the SIR isn’t just a routine exercise—it’s part of a broader strategy they accuse the BJP-led alliance and the Election Commission of using to “steal votes” and disenfranchise vulnerable populations. Rahul insists this march is about securing one-person-one-vote, clean voter rolls, and protecting democracy itself.

Who’s joining the march?

The INDIA Bloc—including RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav and other Grand Alliance leaders—will be alongside Rahul. Congress is rallying grassroots support, calling on youth, farmers, workers, women, and ordinary citizens to join what they’re calling a “people’s movement.”

Big finish at Patna

All roads lead to Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, where a mega rally is scheduled for September 1, promising to be the grand finale of this march for electoral justice.

Why now?

The march follows a wave of high-profile protests, including a recent sit-in at the Election Commission in New Delhi where Rahul and other opposition leaders were briefly detained. Opposition parties argue that the roll revision, if unchecked, risks silencing millions—especially the poor and minorities—while the Election Commission says the effort is necessary to keep voter lists clean.

In a nutshell:

• What: Vote Adhikar Yatra
• Who: Rahul Gandhi, INDIA Bloc leaders, citizens of Bihar
• When: August 17 – September 1
• Where: Sasaram → Multiple districts → Arrah → Patna’s Gandhi Maidan
• Why: To protest alleged vote theft via SIR, demand voter rights, and push for democratic accountability

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SRC-Deccan Herald