Patna: The Opposition’s Vote Rights Yatra began in Sasaram Today, with leaders of the Grand Alliance, including Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, launching a sharp attack on the BJP. The march has been organised to protest against the alleged removal of 65 lakh names from Bihar’s voter list under the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision campaign.
Addressing a large gathering, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to “cheat Biharis,” warning that people of the state should not be underestimated. “This is Bihar, here lime is rubbed with khaini. Do not make the mistake of considering Biharis weak,” he said.
Tejashwi charged that the Election Commission was acting at the behest of the BJP by deleting names of living voters and even declaring them dead. “It is not theft of votes but robbery. If your name is removed from the voter list, it will be removed from pension and ration as well. This is a conspiracy,” he said.
He added that democracy would not be allowed to vanish from Bihar. Tejashwi also accused both Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of betraying Biharis by failing to revive sugar mills, neglecting law and order, and allowing criminals to run the state.
Highlighting promises of the Grand Alliance, Tejashwi said a future government would set up factories and roll out the Mai-Behan scheme, under which every woman would receive Rs 2,500 monthly assistance. He also credited Lalu Prasad Yadav for joining the rally despite medical advice against travelling, saying it showed his commitment to protecting people’s votes.
