Opposition vs ECI

Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ has injected rhetoric into Bihar’s charged political atmosphere. From Sasaram, the Congress leader launched his 1,300-km, 16-day march. He has alleged that the BJP, aided by the Election Commission of India (ECI), is conspiring to “steal” votes through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. By declaring that “the only power the poor have is their vote, and even that is being stolen”, Rahul seeks to frame the Bihar campaign as a larger fight for democracy. The presence of INDIA bloc leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav and Mallikarjun Kharge at the yatra signals that this is also about Opposition unity ahead of the poll battles. Like his earlier Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul hopes to mobilise support for himself and the Congress party.