A Fight to Protect the Vote
On August 17, 2025, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar. This report provides an interactive overview of the campaign's objectives, key allegations, and the political landscape surrounding this significant event.
The Yatra is framed as a direct challenge to what Rahul Gandhi terms **“vote theft” (vote chori)**. It aims to raise public awareness about alleged discrepancies in Bihar's electoral rolls, stemming from the Election Commission of India's (ECI) "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) exercise. The campaign positions itself as a moral and constitutional crusade to protect the fundamental democratic right of "one person, one vote," particularly for the poor and marginalized communities.
Core Allegations: A Closer Look
The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' is centered on a series of specific and serious allegations against the Election Commission and the BJP. The primary focus is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar. Explore the key claims by clicking on each title below.
Rahul Gandhi alleges the SIR is not a routine update but a "deliberate conspiracy" to manipulate the upcoming assembly elections. The claim is that the process is designed to unlawfully delete names of legitimate voters while artificially adding others, thereby skewing the electoral outcome in favor of the ruling party.
A central theme of the campaign is that the alleged voter roll manipulation disproportionately affects the poor, Dalits, Adivasis, and minority communities. Gandhi argues that these groups, who rely on their vote as their primary source of political power, are being systematically disenfranchised.
To support the claims in Bihar, Gandhi cites Maharashtra as an example where he alleges similar tactics were used. He claims that a significant and suspicious increase in the number of voters between elections directly contributed to the BJP's electoral gains, suggesting a repeatable, nationwide pattern of manipulation.
Gandhi directly criticized the Election Commission's response, highlighting that the ECI demanded a sworn affidavit from him to substantiate his claims but has not, he alleges, made similar demands of BJP leaders for their statements. This is presented as evidence of the ECI's bias and failure to act as a neutral arbiter.
The 16-Day Journey Across Bihar
The Yatra is a massive undertaking, designed to connect with people across the state. The route covers over 20 districts, from Sasaram to the final rally in Patna. Explore the day-by-day schedule of this extensive march below.
Political Landscape: Unity & Rebuttal
The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' has not only highlighted allegations but also showcased a significant display of opposition strength. Simultaneously, it has drawn a firm response from the Election Commission. Use the tabs to explore both facets of the story.
A Formidable Show of Strength
The launch of the Yatra in Sasaram was marked by a powerful display of INDIA bloc unity. Key leaders, including RJD's Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, stood alongside Rahul Gandhi. The presence of the RJD chief, despite health concerns, was seen as a significant gesture of solidarity. The event featured a large, enthusiastic crowd with flags from various allied parties, sending a clear message of a united front ahead of the Bihar assembly elections. Leaders from the Left parties also joined, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the campaign.
The Election Commission Responds
The Election Commission of India has strongly refuted the allegations of "vote theft" and conspiracy. The ECI has called the claims baseless and misleading, challenging Rahul Gandhi to produce evidence under a sworn affidavit or issue a public apology. Officials have defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as a transparent and necessary process to create an error-free electoral roll, conducted according to established legal frameworks. They clarified technical points, such as "zero house numbers" referring to informal or unnumbered residences, and emphasized that the draft rolls are shared with all political parties for review and objections.
