Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, is at the forefront of addressing alleged ‘vote theft’ allegations, launching the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar ahead of the elections. The yatra, covering roughly 1300 kilometers, continues today, marking its third day, in Nawada. Gandhi is scheduled to address two public meetings, providing an opportunity to assess the political landscape of Nawada and evaluate the strength of the Mahagathbandhan alliance.
Commencing on Sunday, the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ saw the presence of former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav and other leaders from the ‘INDIA’ alliance. The Election Commission was subjected to considerable criticism during the launch. In a Gaya rally, Gandhi cautioned Election Commission officials, emphasizing potential consequences if the ‘INDIA’ alliance forms governments at the central and state levels, focusing on accusations of ‘vote theft’ that could result in strict actions against key election officials.
The primary goal of this ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ is to protect votes. Rahul Gandhi will be addressing two public meetings today. The Congress party is using the platform to reassure the people of Bihar that their votes will be protected, and those involved in vote manipulation will be held accountable. This journey, spanning 16 days, will cover 20 districts and a distance of 1,300 kilometers.
Nawada, a district in southern Bihar, is part of the Magadh division, one of the 38 districts in the state. The district shares boundaries with Gaya, Sheikhpura, and Jamui within Bihar, as well as Koderma and Giridih in Jharkhand. The Magadh division includes Arwal, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Gaya, and Nawada districts.
The Mahagathbandhan demonstrates significant strength in the Magadh division. The division has 26 assembly seats, with the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal, positioned strongly. The 2020 assembly elections saw the Mahagathbandhan securing 20 seats, while the NDA, under the leadership of the Janata Dal United, achieved only 6 seats. The Mahagathbandhan’s performance in Nawada district, where Rahul Gandhi’s yatra is currently underway, was particularly noteworthy.
Nawada, classified as one of the most backward districts in India, saw the Mahagathbandhan secure 4 out of 5 assembly seats, while the NDA managed to win only one. The NDA’s victory was in Warsaliganj, where BJP candidate Aruna Devi was successful. Rajauli, Hisua, Nawada, and Gobindpur were the four seats won by the Mahagathbandhan, with the RJD winning three of those.
Nawada holds a historical connection with Sri Krishna Sinha. During the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra,’ Rahul Gandhi will pay tribute to Bihar’s first Chief Minister, Sri Krishna Sinha, at the Dr. Sri Krishna Sinha Chowk in Barbigha, Sheikhpura, and also address a public meeting. Sri Krishna Sinha, a prominent freedom fighter, was born in Khanwa, Nawada district, and served as the first Chief Minister of Bihar. He remained in office until 1961 and was recognized as Bihar Kesari and Sri Babu.
Sri Krishna Sinha belonged to the influential Bhumihar community. Rahul Gandhi’s strategy incorporates engaging Dalit and Muslim communities while also aiming to retain the support of Bhumihar voters. In the previous election, the Congress secured one seat in Nawada district, and its ally, the RJD, secured four. The Mahagathbandhan intends to maintain its past performance, seeking to leverage the yatra to solidify its standing in the district and potentially achieve a sweep in the Magadh division.
