Voter Rights Yatra Concludes in Patna: Enthusiastic Participation Highlights Congress’s Resurgence in Bihar

The Voter Rights Yatra, launched by the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) to protest irregularities in the voter list, concluded on August 30 in Patna, after beginning on August 17. The campaign kicked off at Gandhi Maidan and culminated with a floral tribute at the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, symbolizing the alliance’s commitment to social justice and the rights of voters.

Reporting live from the Ambedkar statue, the atmosphere was electric as Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and other Mahagathbandhan leaders delivered their speeches before making their way to the statue for the closing ceremony. Crowds gathered in anticipation, demonstrating the campaign’s wide appeal across age groups and districts.

The Supreme Court also addressed the issue of voter list irregularities on the same day. The Election Commission’s counsel informed the court that political parties have submitted more applications for removing names from the voter list than for adding new voters. The Supreme Court responded by directing para-legal volunteers to assist citizens in both adding and removing names from the voter list, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Among the many attendees was Sundar Prasad, a 90-year-old lifelong Congress supporter from Nawada district. His presence in the scorching heat, waving the Congress flag, became a symbol of unwavering political passion. When asked why he had come despite his age and the adverse weather, Sundar Baba replied, “I can endure heat, cold, and rain. Nothing can stop me.” He shared his pride in being a farmer and a staunch Congress worker, reminiscing about past leaders like Indira Gandhi and Nehru, and expressing his admiration for Rahul Gandhi’s energy and determination.

Sundar Baba’s story reflects the deep-rooted commitment of Congress supporters in Bihar, many of whom have witnessed the party’s ups and downs over decades. He confidently declared, “In my constituency, Congress has two seats, and no one can defeat us there. Mahagathbandhan Zindabad!”

The Voter Rights Yatra marked a significant shift in Bihar’s political landscape. For years, Congress was seen as a junior partner to Lalu Yadav’s party, but Rahul Gandhi’s efforts have begun to rejuvenate the party’s grassroots presence. The visible increase in Congress flags and activists during the yatra underscored this change.

The closing ceremony saw prominent leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Tejashwi Yadav, travel together in an open van from Gandhi Maidan to the Ambedkar statue, followed by a procession on foot. The event ended with a show of unity and determination, as leaders and supporters paid homage to Dr. Ambedkar and pledged to continue fighting for voter rights.

As the leaders departed, the enthusiasm among the ordinary people remained high, signaling a renewed hope for Congress and its allies in Bihar’s political future.

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