‘One Person, One Vote Under Attack’: Rahul Targets SIR in Bihar

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling it a "new weapon" of "vote chori" (vote theft) aimed at undermining the 'one person, one vote' principle. Speaking during his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Sasaram, Bihar, on Sunday, Gandhi met voters who claimed their names were removed from electoral rolls after voting in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

In a WhatsApp post, Gandhi shared a photo with affected voters, describing them as "living proof" of electoral manipulation. The group included Raj Mohan Singh, a 70-year-old farmer and retired soldier; Umravati Devi, a 35-year-old Dalit labourer; Dhanjay Kumar Bind, a 30-year-old backward class labourer; Sita Devi, a 45-year-old former MNREGA worker; Raju Devi, a 55-year-old backward class labourer; and Mohmuddin Ansari, a 52-year-old minority labourer. He accused the BJP and Election Commission of colluding to disenfranchise marginalized communities, including the poor and Bahujan, and even veterans.

"They voted in 2024, but their identities were erased before the Bihar assembly polls," Gandhi said, alleging systemic discrimination. "We stand with them to protect the fundamental right of 'one person, one vote' and ensure everyone’s voice is heard in our democracy."

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On Monday, the Voter Adhikar Yatra, now in its second day, saw Gandhi, RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, and Vikassheel Insan Party’s Mukesh Sahani visit the Devkund Surya Mandir in Aurangabad. The 1,300 km journey, which began in Sasaram, will cover districts like Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, and others before concluding with a rally in Patna on September 1. The yatra, a mix of foot marches and vehicle travel, mirrors Gandhi’s earlier Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

Gandhi reiterated his charge that the Election Commission, in collusion with the BJP, is attempting to "steal" the upcoming Bihar elections through SIR. He vowed that the INDIA bloc would fiercely oppose this "conspiracy" to safeguard democratic rights.

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