Against ‘Vote Theft’: Rahul Gandhi to Lead 1,300-Km March in Bihar Starting August 17

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, is set to launch the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ from Sasaram, Bihar, on August 17. This extensive march is organized to protest the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, specifically focusing on the issue of “vote theft.” During this yatra, Gandhi is expected to travel 1300 kilometers within Bihar. The initial leg of the journey will be from Sasaram to Patna, lasting 17 days. This ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ is designed as a direct action against those involved in vote manipulation. Prior to the yatra, on August 14, Gandhi had already declared the launch of the Voter Adhikar Yatra, addressing issues related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and called on the public to join the movement. On social media, Gandhi framed this campaign as a fight against vote theft, emphasizing its significance in defending democracy and upholding constitutional principles. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a clean voter list across the country, inviting youth, workers, and farmers to join the initiative. Gandhi also shared a spoof video based on the film Laapataa Ladies, which highlighted the Congress’s allegations of “vote theft” against the Election Commission, encouraging people to join the ‘Vote Chori se Azaadi’ campaign. The video depicts a scene at a police station, where a man reports the theft of his vote. Gandhi has previously accused the Election Commission of India of orchestrating elections, presenting research on voting irregularities in Karnataka. The Election Commission has requested a signed declaration from Gandhi to substantiate his claims of “vote theft.”