Patna: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to launch a 16-day padayatra across Bihar from August 10, covering 18 districts as part of the party’s preparations for the upcoming state assembly elections. The yatra, expected to conclude on August 26, will focus on direct engagement with the public and energising party workers on the ground.
The Congress national headquarters has indicated that the march will span key districts in the Magadh, Patna, and Kosi regions. A significant portion of the journey will be on foot, aiming to foster grassroots-level connections and revive the party’s presence in the state.
According to sources, the padayatra will begin at the Tutla Bhavani temple in Sasaram — a site known for its scenic hilltop setting and waterfalls — before moving to Aurangabad for an overnight halt. The next day, Rahul Gandhi is expected to travel towards Gaya, where a public meeting may be held in either Bodh Gaya or Gaya, though final details are pending.
The second leg of the journey will likely see Gandhi travel from Gaya to Patna via Nawada, with further routes and schedules still under consideration. The march will include public meetings and rallies, culminating in a major Grand Alliance event at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. Senior leaders from the Mahagathbandhan — the Congress’s coalition with regional allies — will also join Gandhi at various points during the campaign.
The Congress is currently evaluating alternate locations for the launch of the yatra, with teams from Delhi and Bihar inspecting possible venues. Meanwhile, local party units have been mobilised to ensure high turnout and participation.
