August 18, 2025: Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader, began the Voter Adhikar Yatra (Voter Rights March) from Sasaram, Bihar, on Sunday. The march, planned for 16 days and covering more than 1,300 kilometers across 20 districts, seeks to raise awareness about alleged irregularities in voter lists and safeguard citizens’ rights to vote ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.
The yatra focuses on concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Opposition leaders have raised questions about potential discrepancies and outdated entries in the voter lists. Rahul Gandhi has expressed apprehensions that these issues could affect the fairness of upcoming elections.
Several prominent opposition leaders joined the launch event, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. Their participation highlights a united stance among opposition parties to address voter-related concerns.
The march has attracted considerable public attention, with thousands of people joining in across multiple districts. During the Sasaram event, Rahul Gandhi offered a glass of water to Mallikarjun Kharge and Lalu Prasad Yadav, a gesture that drew widespread appreciation for symbolizing solidarity among opposition leaders.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has criticized the march, calling it politically motivated. NDA representatives argued that allegations of voter list irregularities are unsubstantiated and accused the opposition of attempting to undermine democratic institutions.
The yatra will conclude with a major rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on September 1, 2025, where leaders from various opposition parties are expected to address the public. The march has emerged as a key political event in Bihar, emphasizing voter awareness and electoral transparency ahead of the state elections.
