The opposition INDIA bloc began its 1,300-km ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ from Sasaram on Sunday. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission (EC) of helping the BJP and stealing votes.

The yatra will pass through 20 districts. Leaders said the march is meant to highlight “vote chori” and protect the rights of citizens.

Rahul Gandhi Attacks Election Commission

Speaking in Aurangabad, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Modi government changed the law in 2023 to shield the EC.

“No case can be filed against election commissioners in any court. This law protects them because they are helping the BJP in vote theft,” he said.

Rahul also questioned changes in the rules for CCTV footage during elections. He claimed the BJP was using the EC to gain unfair advantage.

“This is a fight to protect Ambedkar’s Constitution and the idea of one person, one vote,” he added.

‘BJP Changing Voter Lists in Bihar’

At the launch rally in Sasaram, Rahul alleged that the BJP was changing names in the Bihar voter list.

“When I raised the issue, I was asked to file an affidavit. But BJP leaders who made similar claims were not asked the same. The EC is openly siding with them,” he said.

Tejashwi Yadav Targets Modi and EC

Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition in Bihar, also spoke at the rally. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “ruining the lives of Bihar’s youth.” He claimed the EC was “helping him cheat voters.”

“Do not think of Biharis as weak. We will fight back,” Tejashwi said. He also reminded the crowd that the Constitution guarantees equal votes to all citizens, rich or poor.

Kharge and Lalu Join the Attack

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the Modi government is a “direct threat to the Constitution.” He added that the EC is acting like an arm of the ruling party.

Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav also attacked the BJP. “They are destroying democracy and stealing people’s votes. We must unite to save democracy,” he told the crowd.

Caste Census Promise

Rahul Gandhi also spoke on the caste census. He said the Modi government made its announcement under political pressure.

“They will never conduct a genuine caste census or remove the 50% reservation cap. The INDIA bloc will do it and ensure justice,” Rahul said.

Opposition Leaders Join Yatra

The yatra’s launch saw the presence of many opposition leaders. These included Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPI-ML), Subhashini Ali (CPM), P Santosh Kumar (CPI), Pappu Yadav, KC Venugopal, Bhupesh Baghel, Krishna Allavaru, Rajesh Ram, Shakeel Ahmad, Akhilesh Pratap Singh, and Mukesh Sahni of the Vikassheel Insaan Party.

In a symbolic start, Tejashwi Yadav drove a jeep with Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders as the procession began.

What’s Next?

The Voter Adhikar Yatra will continue across Bihar with halts on August 20, 25, and 31. It will end with a mega rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on September 1.

At this rally, Rahul Gandhi, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, and Mallikarjun Kharge will address the public. Leaders from Left parties and other INDIA bloc allies will also attend. This rally will mark the formal launch of the alliance’s Bihar campaign.