Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led NDA government on Sunday, alleging that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise the poor and marginalized.
Addressing a public rally in Araria as part of the ongoing ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’, Gandhi accused the government of using SIR as an “institutional method to steal votes,” with the alleged backing of the Election Commission. Mocking the poll body, he referred to it as the “Election Omission.”
“The Modi government first privatized public sector undertakings and is now trying to strip the poor of their voting rights through the SIR. It is unconstitutional and aimed at weakening democracy,” Gandhi claimed.
He assured the gathering that the opposition-led INDIA bloc would resist such moves and defend the constitutional rights of every citizen. “The people of Bihar will give a fitting reply in the assembly elections,” he said.
The 1,300-kilometre ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’, launched on August 17 from Sasaram, will cover over 20 districts in 16 days and conclude with a major rally in Patna on September 1.
In a show of solidarity and public outreach, Gandhi was seen riding a motorcycle alongside RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav through the streets of Araria on Sunday. Crowds lined up on both sides of the road, cheering the leaders as they passed through landmarks like Panchmukhi Mandir, Forbesganj Road, and Kasba Bazaar before reaching Araria for a press conference.
At another rally in Katihar on Saturday, Gandhi continued his criticism of the BJP, accusing it of closing the doors of opportunity for the poor, especially Dalits, backward classes, and women. He also blamed the RSS and BJP for attempting to undermine the Constitution and suppress social advancement.
Earlier, Gandhi shared a video from his interaction with the youth in Aurangabad, urging citizens to use the power of their vote to protect democracy and the values of the Constitution.
