The Voter Rights Yatra concluded in Patna with a massive opposition gathering that brought together leaders from across India. Among the speakers was Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government.
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In his address, Soren referred to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as the leader of the UPA, drawing attention because the opposition has rebranded itself as the INDIA bloc. His comments sparked discussion, but his message was clear—unite the people to challenge the BJP-led NDA in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections and beyond.
Soren Praises Kharge’s Leadership
Hemant Soren acknowledged Mallikarjun Kharge’s role in leading the opposition alliance. He said that Kharge’s energy and dedication at his age were commendable.
On the stage, alongside Kharge, were Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Mukesh Sahani, and Dipankar Bhattacharya. The presence of multiple leaders from different parties highlighted the significance of the event.
Even though Soren mentioned “UPA” instead of “INDIA,” his words were meant to strengthen opposition unity.
“The Vote Belongs to the Nation”
In his speech, Hemant Soren emphasized that votes do not belong to a party but to the nation. He accused the BJP of misusing wealth and power to capture authority in 2014.
According to him, clever tactics and manipulation had allowed the BJP to seize national power. He said that the time had come to remove them through democratic means, urging voters to unite for change.
He told the crowd that if people failed to act now, they might never get another chance.
Attacks on Central Agencies
Soren accused the Modi government of misusing agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, the CBI, and the Income Tax Department. He said these institutions were being weaponized to intimidate elected representatives and opposition leaders.
He argued that the BJP’s “vote theft” was not new. Instead, it had been an ongoing strategy used to win power in different states.
Soren also recalled his own imprisonment, saying that he was jailed during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He noted that he contested the polls from jail, and had he been free, the BJP would have failed to make any impact in Jharkhand.
Bihar Elections a Battle for the Nation
Hemant Soren stressed that the Bihar Assembly election would not be an ordinary political contest. Instead, it would become a battle to protect democracy across India.
He called upon the people of Bihar to view the election as a mission to save the country. He said that defeating the BJP-led NDA in Bihar would send a message across India.
According to him, Bihar’s electoral outcome could shape the destiny of the entire nation.
Criticism of the SIR Process
Soren also criticized the SIR (Special Identification Revision) process. He alleged that the mechanism was being misused to delete genuine voters. He demanded that if fake voters existed, those responsible for compiling the rolls should resign.
He suggested that the only solution was to revise voter lists across the country before holding elections again.
According to him, the manipulation of voter lists was an attempt to silence the voice of farmers, workers, Dalits, and tribal communities.
A Call for Unity Among the Marginalized
Hemant Soren appealed to farmers, workers, Dalits, and Adivasis to unite. He said that if marginalized communities stood together, the BJP would not be able to retain power anywhere.
He urged people to make this unity a reality in the upcoming elections. According to him, this would be the turning point in the fight against the NDA.
He declared that the people must show through their votes that democracy could not be stolen.
The Historic Symbolism of Patna
Soren reminded the crowd that Patna had always been the land of historic decisions. He said that the city had witnessed turning points in Indian politics in the past and could once again play a defining role.
He framed the Voter Rights Rally as another moment to take a pledge for change.
According to him, this was the time to take a vow to protect the nation’s democratic values.
Opposition Leaders Join Forces
The rally stage brought together opposition leaders from across India. Rahul Gandhi highlighted electoral rights and accused the BJP of weakening democracy. Tejashwi Yadav spoke about Bihar’s issues and called for removing the NDA government. Leaders like Mukesh Sahani and Dipankar Bhattacharya added regional voices to the larger opposition message.
Together, they projected the INDIA bloc as an alternative to the NDA. Their shared theme was that only through unity could the BJP be defeated in Bihar and at the national level.
Soren’s Message to Voters
Hemant Soren appealed directly to the people of Bihar. He said that the fate of Bihar was in their hands. He urged them to pledge support for the opposition alliance and promised that a “new Bihar” would be created with their strength.
He said that once voters rejected those who “stole votes,” the state would find liberation from exploitation.
According to him, the unity of ordinary citizens would reshape the political map of Bihar.
Broader Implications for 2025 Elections
The Voter Rights Rally in Patna carries significance beyond Bihar. As the 2025 Assembly elections approach, opposition parties are framing Bihar as a testing ground.
A victory here could inspire opposition strategies across India, while a defeat would demoralize anti-BJP forces. Leaders like Hemant Soren see Bihar as the battleground where the fight to “save democracy” begins.
Hemant Soren’s speech in Patna combined sharp attacks on Modi, appeals for unity, and a controversial slip by calling Kharge the UPA leader instead of INDIA bloc chief.
Despite the slip, his words reflected the opposition’s determination to challenge the BJP-led NDA in Bihar and across India.
By calling the vote a national responsibility, accusing the government of weaponizing agencies, and urging marginalized communities to unite, Soren positioned himself as a strong voice in the opposition camp.
As Bihar prepares for a heated election, the Patna rally has sent a clear message: the opposition is gearing up for a decisive battle, and leaders like Hemant Soren are ready to fight alongside Congress and RJD to change the course of Indian politics.
