Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched his Voter Adhikar Yatra from Sasaram on August 17, covering 1,300 km across 20 districts and ending with a rally at Patna's Gandhi Maidan on September 1. The campaign focused on allegations of vote theft linked to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Despite drawing large crowds and prompting Congress to demand more seats in the Mahagathbandhan alliance, the message has not resonated strongly with voters on the ground. Interviews across north Bihar reveal that voters are more concerned with employment, caste dynamics, welfare schemes, and local issues than electoral roll manipulation. Even among Muslim communities, who were thought to be central to disenfranchisement fears, there is little awareness or concern about the alleged vote theft. The campaign's negative tone has also drawn criticism from some voters who prefer positive messaging.
Limited Impact of Electoral Roll Allegations Among Voters
In East Champaran's Chiraiya constituency, mechanic Mahesh Yadav supports RJD because Tejashwi Yadav addresses jobs and change, while BJP voter Ramlal Gupta believes caste ultimately decides votes. When questioned about vote theft, both dismiss it as irrelevant to the current election. In Darbhanga Rural's Ramanagar village, 50-year-old Mohammed Iftikhar says all 16 family members remain on voter lists, questioning how vote theft occurs. Mohammed Ishtiyaq notes that rural voters focus on candidates, not Rahul Gandhi's statements. In Alinagar's Pohaddi Vela village, Mohammed Alam estimates less than 10 percent discuss the issue, with voting guided by government benefits and traditional loyalties instead.
Criticism of Campaign Strategy and Focus on Real Issues
Even in Lalu Prasad's native Phulwaria village in Gopalganj district, Durgesh Yadav doubts electoral rolls can be manipulated to favor one party. In East Champaran's Madhopur, Atiqur Rehman calls vote theft unnecessary, stating no Muslim villagers had names deleted, and the election centers on jobs and migration. Farmer Ram Dayal Kushwaha from Ratanmala village criticizes Gandhi for not understanding grassroots problems like annual flood damage to crops. He argues Gandhi's negative campaigning strategy fails, comparing it to a shopkeeper who criticizes competitors instead of highlighting his own superior products. As Bihar heads toward the second phase on November 11, voters prioritize immediate concerns over electoral roll controversies.
Source: Link