Sitamarhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi altered his Voter Adhikar Yatra itinerary on Thursday following a terror alert, opting for a closed vehicle rather than an open jeep for parts of his journey. Security was noticeably strengthened across his route.
Gandhi travelled directly to the Janaki temple in Punauradham from his Sitamarhi camp, bypassing several welcome platforms where he had been scheduled to stop. After performing the aarti of Mata Janaki and engaging with the temple’s chief priest, Gandhi donned a garland and a chunari. Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and VIP supremo Mukesh Sahni were present during the visit. Journalists who sought comments from Gandhi at the temple were not permitted to speak with him.
The planned roadshow in Dhaka, Motihari, was cancelled. Gandhi arrived there at 11am, an hour ahead of schedule, and interacted with the public from a closed vehicle. He is currently staying at City Hotel, and is expected to resume the yatra from Azad Chowk at 4pm.
Speaking at Riga Chowk in Sitamarhi on the 12th day of the yatra, Gandhi described the campaign as “not just a Voter Adhikar Yatra. This is a journey of your rights.” He criticised the ruling party, claiming, “Only votes are being stolen now. After vote theft, your ration card and land will be snatched.” He also highlighted the role of new voters in Maharashtra’s assembly elections, asserting that in areas with significant new voter turnout, the BJP had prevailed.
Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed against Gandhi at Gandhi Maidan police station in Patna. Krishna Singh Kallu, a BJP executive member, alleged that Gandhi made indecent remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Responding to BJP criticisms of Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav said, “There should be no politics on religion. Everyone has their own faith,” emphasising a secular approach amidst growing political tensions.
