NATIONAL: Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra Targets ECI Over Vote Rigging Claims
Launch of Voter Adhikar Yatra
Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi inaugurated the 1,300-km Voter Adhikar Yatra across 20 Bihar districts from Sasaram on August 17, 2025.
The campaign aims to safeguard electoral integrity, spotlighting alleged manipulations in voter lists. Gandhi, joined by INDIA alliance leaders, accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to undermine democratic processes.
Allegations Against ECI
Gandhi challenged the ECI’s demand for an affidavit substantiating his vote-rigging claims, alleging selective scrutiny compared to BJP leaders like Anurag Thakur.
He asserted that the ECI’s neutrality is compromised, citing a 2023 law shielding commissioners from legal accountability. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s voter rolls, he claimed, exposes deliberate additions and deletions to favor the ruling coalition.
Constitutional Concerns Raised
The Congress leader accused the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of eroding constitutional safeguards through electoral subterfuge.
He highlighted suspicious voter surges in Maharashtra’s recent elections, correlating increased turnout with BJP victories. The Yatra, he emphasized, is a movement to protect the voting rights of marginalized communities.
Critique of Electoral Reforms
Gandhi questioned amendments to election protocols, particularly changes to CCTV footage regulations, suggesting they facilitate malpractices.
He argued that the ECI’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah compromises its autonomy. The INDIA alliance, he vowed, would resist attempts to disenfranchise the underprivileged.
Caste Census Controversy
Addressing Modi’s caste census announcement, Gandhi dismissed it as a pressured, insincere gesture.
He asserted that only the INDIA alliance could ensure a genuine caste-based enumeration.
This stance underscores broader demands for equitable representation and policy transparency.
Coalition Solidarity Displayed
The Aurangabad assembly saw robust participation from Mahagathbandhan leaders, including RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, who drove Gandhi’s jeep, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Other attendees included Lalu Prasad Yadav, Mukesh Sawhney, Dipankar Bhattacharya, Subhashini Ali, and P. Santosh Kumar, showcasing unified opposition resolve.
- Key allies: RJD, Vikash Sheel Insan Party, CPI (ML) Liberation, CPM, CPI.
- Tejashwi Yadav hailed Gandhi as “Hamare Badebhai,” reinforcing alliance cohesion.
Electoral Triumphs Cited
Gandhi referenced the INDIA alliance’s strong performance in Maharashtra’s Lok Sabha elections, expressing dismay at the subsequent assembly poll outcomes.
He attributed BJP’s success to an influx of one crore new voters within four months, raising suspicions of electoral manipulation.
Public Commitment Reiterated
Undeterred by ECI’s ultimatum, Gandhi and Yadav vowed to persist in exposing electoral truths. They rejected intimidation by authorities, pledging to amplify public awareness.
The Yatra symbolizes a broader fight to uphold democratic principles and constitutional integrity.