Approximately three months before the Bihar assembly elections, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi embarks on a Voter Rights March from Sasaram. The start is quite promising. On stage, alongside Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu Yadav also arrives, as do the leaders of allied parties, all raising the issue of vote theft in Bihar through SIR and calling out the Election Commission in powerful declarations.
It is reported that Rahul Gandhi plans to cover 25 districts in Bihar within 15 days, with Tejashwi Yadav accompanying him throughout. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and RJD leader Lalu Yadav launched Rahul Gandhi's march. Mallikarjun Kharge, Lalu Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, VIP leader Mukesh Sahni, CPI-ML leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, and other leaders of the India Block (Mahagathbandhan of Bihar) seem united at present.
The Congress appears committed to keeping allied parties onboard, but how long and to what extent this endeavor will succeed remains uncertain, as past performance raises doubts.
Before the Lok Sabha elections, Lalu Yadav announced in Patna that while Rahul Gandhi plays the groom, he would ensure support as part of the wedding procession. Although he doesn’t wish to encourage it in Bihar, he arrives in Sasaram. There’s concern that Rahul Gandhi might overshadow Tejashwi Yadav. Lalu Yadav harbors fears that Rahul might shift alliances, bringing Kanhaiya Kumar and Pappu Yadav to the forefront over Tejashwi.
Once, after a Delhi lunch with Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav shared the significance of their meeting via a photo. At the Voter Rights March launch, he refers to Mallikarjun Kharge as a guardian and Rahul Gandhi as an elder brother.
During the Mahagathbandhan rally in Sasaram, Rahul Gandhi reiterates accusations that the BJP steals votes to win elections. He warns that SIR is being used to steal votes in Bihar as well but assures that such an attempt will be thwarted. Rahul raises consistent allegations from Maharashtra to Karnataka, attempting to hold the BJP accountable.
Lalu Yadav urges people to “Drive out the corrupt... Expel the BJP... Elections should be won by us... The BJP, responsible for theft, shouldn't be allowed at any cost... Everyone unite... Flip the government with Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav... Strengthen democracy.”
Lalu Yadav humorously reiterates in his familiar style, 'Lagal-lagal jhulaniya mei dhaga, Balam Kolkata chala.'
Tejashwi Yadav, focused on the issue, remarks, “Your vote isn't just being stolen; it’s a robbery... Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to fool Biharis... This is Bihar, where we rub lime with betel... Biharis might be poor, but every child here executes spicy work... We won't allow dishonesty.”
The following day, the Voter Rights March progresses from Aurangabad. At the ancient Sun Temple in Dev, Rahul Gandhi offers prayers and circumambulation, proceeding with Tejashwi Yadav and Mukesh Sahni. Declaring, 'Inspiration comes from fighting the darkness, persistently moving towards justice’s sunrise.'
As Rahul Gandhi's confrontation with the Election Commission persists, reports suggest the opposition is considering impeachment against the Commission. Congress MP Syed Nasir Hussain states no discussion has occurred yet within the party; if necessary, Congress may propose impeachment.
During a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s response seemed less technical and more political, though he didn't mention Rahul Gandhi, targeting Congress leaders. He dismissed allegations about the Election Commission and voter lists as baseless lies.
In response, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh claims meaningful answers to Rahul Gandhi’s questions haven't been provided. Rahul Gandhi has criticized the Election Commission on social media, highlighting issues like declaring alive people dead and removing recent voters.
Voter March vs. Nyay Yatra - How Beneficial?
Differences were noted between Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo and Nyay yatras. The Voter Rights March also reflects similar distinctions. Through Bharat Jodo Yatra, he aimed to connect with people. This period was marked by Congress grappling with organizational and state-level challenges like in Rajasthan.
Rahul Gandhi raised people-related issues and promised justice through the Nyay Yatra, attempting to connect possible voter bases like farmers, women, and youth, though his ideological stubbornness was damaging. In UP, Akhilesh Yadav did ally, but Nitish Kumar withdrew when opportunities arose. Voter Rights March seems like an attempt at coalition conciliation. Questions about duration and trajectory remain.
