The usually bustling streets of Muzaffarpur turned into a political carnival as roaring motorcycles announced the arrival of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav.
Riding side by side, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra perched pillion, the trio cut through the crowds as part of their ambitious ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’-a journey not just of kilometers but of conviction.
This yatra, flagged off from Sasaram on August 17, promises to stretch across 1,300 kilometers, weaving through Bihar’s towns and villages before culminating in a massive show of strength at Patna on September 1. Along the way, the campaign has transformed highways into rally grounds, with curious onlookers, party workers, and villagers spilling onto the roads, eager to catch a glimpse of the leaders who speak of rights, justice, and democracy.
In Darbhanga, Rahul Gandhi’s words struck a sharper chord. Standing before the crowd, he accused the BJP of orchestrating “vote chori”-vote theft-by manipulating electoral rolls, allegedly with the backing of the Election Commission. His message was simple yet fiery: “People must come forward to protect their right to vote and safeguard the Constitution.” The rhetoric of “vote chor” has since begun to echo in Bihar’s political conversations, fueling fresh debates on the credibility of the electoral process.
Adding to the momentum, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to join the journey, underscoring the effort’s reach beyond state borders and hinting at a wider opposition solidarity. Earlier stops, such as their motorcycle rally in Araria (Purnea district) on August 24, have already showcased how the campaign blends symbolism with accessibility-leaders on bikes, directly engaging with the people, rather than hidden behind convoys and bulletproof glass.
The ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ is more than a march; it is a carefully woven narrative of connection, resistance, and accountability. By taking to motorcycles instead of podiums, Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav are signaling that the battle for democracy is not confined to speeches but fought in the very lanes and bylanes of Bihar. And as the journey inches closer to Patna, the crowds only seem to grow thicker, their cheers louder-a reminder that in the politics of rights, symbolism often travels farther than words.