In a strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led NDA government, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused them of trying to “steal votes of the poor” through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. His remarks came during a rally in Araria as part of the ongoing Voter Adhikar Yatra.
Gandhi said the SIR exercise was being used as an “institutionalised method to steal votes,” allegedly supported by the Election Commission. “The Narendra Modi government… after privatising public sector units… now wants to steal votes of the poor through the SIR with the help of the Election Commission,” he said.
He also criticised the poll body, calling it an “election omission” instead of the Election Commission, and claimed that the move was unconstitutional. According to him, this could prevent marginalised sections of society from exercising their right to vote ahead of the Bihar assembly elections.
Trending Keywords: Bihar elections, Rahul Gandhi, BJP, voter rights, election controversy
SIR Exercise Under Fire
- Rahul Gandhi said the SIR is anti-constitutional and a way to disenfranchise poor and marginalised citizens.
- He added that the INDIA bloc will not let this happen and promised that the people of Bihar will respond strongly in the upcoming assembly elections.
- Gandhi emphasised that the Constitution guarantees equal rights to every citizen, and using SIR to manipulate electoral outcomes is a violation of democratic values.
Criticism of Modi Government Policies
Beyond electoral concerns, Gandhi targeted the Modi government over economic and employment policies.
- He accused the Centre of “shutting all opportunities of employment” for youth and poor citizens.
- According to him, after large-scale privatisation of public sector undertakings, the government is now attempting to curtail democratic rights as well.
- Gandhi suggested that the combination of economic hardship and electoral manipulation is a threat to both livelihoods and voter rights in Bihar.
Voter Adhikar Yatra Continues
The 1,300-kilometre Voter Adhikar Yatra, which began on August 17 from Sasaram, is designed to raise awareness about voter rights and democratic participation.
- The Yatra will cover more than 20 districts in Bihar over 16 days.
- It aims to connect directly with citizens, especially the youth and poor, to inform them about their rights and encourage participation in elections.
- The event will end with a mega rally in Patna on September 1, where Gandhi is expected to deliver a major speech summarising the campaign’s goals.
Impact on Bihar Assembly Elections
Analysts say Gandhi’s focus on SIR and voter rights could energise voters who feel marginalised.
- The Congress leader is trying to position the INDIA bloc as the defender of poor and rural voters’ rights.
- With elections approaching, issues like privatisation, unemployment, and alleged electoral manipulation are expected to dominate public debate.
- Observers note that Gandhi’s campaign could significantly influence voter sentiment, particularly in regions where the SIR exercise has drawn criticism.
This event is now being followed closely across India as part of Latest News and Breaking News, making it one of the key stories in today’s Daily news highlights. It reflects the ongoing tension between the government and opposition parties over democratic rights, economic policy, and electoral fairness.
