Patna witnessed a historic political spectacle as the final day of the Voter Adhikar Yatra began. Senior leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Ashok Gehlot, arrived in the city to participate in the concluding march. Several others, such as CPI General Secretary D Raja and former ministers, also joined. The event drew massive crowds, with workers carrying party flags and banners across the streets of Patna.

The March Route and Symbolic Tribute

The march started with floral tributes at the Gandhi statue in Gandhi Maidan. Leaders then moved towards the Ambedkar statue near the High Court. However, the Patna district administration restricted the march up to Dak Bungalow Chowk. Despite restrictions, enthusiasm among party workers remained high. The rally proceeded through SP Verma Road and Nehru Path before reaching Ambedkar Park, where leaders addressed a public meeting.

Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav Lead from the Front

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, led the march alongside Bihar’s Tejashwi Yadav. VIP chief Mukesh Sahani and several other regional leaders joined them. Riding in an open van, they waved at supporters gathered along the route. Slogans echoed as workers showed solidarity for the INDIA bloc. The atmosphere in Gandhi Maidan turned festive, with supporters dancing, waving flags, and chanting slogans.

Enthusiasm Among Workers Despite Heat

The scorching heat in Patna did not deter the massive turnout. Thousands of supporters gathered under the blazing sun. CPI leader D Raja was seen sitting on the ground among common workers, drawing appreciation for his simplicity. Party members from Congress, RJD, CPI-ML, and other allies walked shoulder to shoulder, displaying unity. The energy and determination of workers symbolized the bloc’s attempt to challenge the ruling party.

Leaders Arrive from Across the Country

Prominent leaders arrived in Patna via special flights from Delhi. Rahul Gandhi, Kharge, and KC Venugopal flew together, emphasizing unity. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Kalpana Soren also reached with their convoys. CPI-ML leader Dipankar Bhattacharya joined the crowd early in the morning. Leaders from DMK, Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), NCP, and Samajwadi Party also marked their presence. The rally turned into a massive show of strength for the INDIA bloc.

Symbolism of Gandhi and Ambedkar Statues

The march began with tributes at Gandhi’s statue and concluded at Ambedkar Park. This symbolism carried strong political messages. Leaders stressed values of democracy, justice, and equality. By ending the march at Ambedkar’s statue, the bloc highlighted its commitment to social justice. The combination of Gandhi’s philosophy and Ambedkar’s vision became the central theme of the rally.

BJP’s Sharp Counterattack

Meanwhile, BJP leaders criticized the march. Party spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain attacked the Congress and RJD alliance. He claimed there was internal conflict between Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. According to him, RJD leaders were unhappy with Congress leadership. He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi was repeating his past mistakes by calling the Prime Minister a “vote thief.” Shahnawaz predicted that Congress would be “out on zero” in Bihar in upcoming elections.

Deputy Chief Minister Calls It Drama

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also mocked the yatra. He called it “a drama by dramatic people.” According to him, opposition leaders were enemies of democracy. His comments triggered reactions from INDIA bloc leaders who dismissed them as political frustration.

Workers Flood Streets of Patna

Since early morning, supporters marched towards Gandhi Maidan. Men and women from across Bihar gathered in groups, waving flags of their respective parties. Streets leading to Dak Bungalow and Gandhi Maidan turned into seas of red, green, and tricolor flags. Chants of “Save Democracy” and “Protect Voter Rights” filled the air. The atmosphere resembled a festival of politics in the heart of Patna.

Traffic Restrictions and Police Arrangements

Due to the massive rally, Patna police imposed strict traffic restrictions. From 7 AM, auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws were banned near Gandhi Maidan. Vehicles were diverted from key roads like Ramgulam Chowk, JP Golambar, and Chhajubagh. Emergency vehicles were exempt, but all others faced diversions. CCTV cameras monitored the march, while cyber police tracked social media to prevent rumors. Authorities appealed to citizens to trust only verified information.

Social Media Monitoring and Advisory

Patna cyber police officials confirmed active monitoring of online platforms. They urged people not to believe misleading posts about the march. Officials advised verifying information before sharing. The administration highlighted the role of CCTV surveillance in maintaining law and order. The emphasis on digital monitoring reflected growing concerns about misinformation during political events.

The Long Journey of Voter Adhikar Yatra

The Voter Adhikar Yatra started on 17 August 2025. Over two weeks, it passed through several districts of Bihar. Leaders from different states joined at various points. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav also participated earlier. The yatra covered 1300 kilometers before concluding in Patna. The event symbolized nationwide opposition unity ahead of the next elections.

Congress and RJD’s Role in Mobilization

RJD played a major role in preparing for the final march. The party decorated streets with banners and posters. From Veerchand Patel Path to Gandhi Maidan, posters carried messages supporting voter rights. Congress leaders also mobilized workers across Bihar. The state Congress chief Rajesh Kumar joined the gathering and boosted morale. Leaders emphasized that the march was not just symbolic but a fight for democratic rights.

Electoral Context and Voter List Issues

The march coincided with controversies over Bihar’s voter list revision. The Election Commission’s special intensive revision (SIR) faced criticism from opposition parties. Many claimed names were being unfairly deleted from the list. RJD and other parties filed petitions in the Supreme Court demanding more time for claims and objections. The case was scheduled for hearing during the same week. Opposition leaders used the march to highlight this issue.

Voter List Applications and Removals

Reports suggested that by 31 August, over 2 lakh applications were filed for name removal. Meanwhile, around 33,000 claims were made for inclusion. Opposition parties alleged discrimination in the process. They claimed the large-scale removals were aimed at weakening opposition voters. The bloc leaders used the Patna rally to demand fair and transparent revision.

Final Voter List to Be Published on 30 September

According to the Election Commission, the final voter list will be published on 30 September 2025. Officials clarified that EPIC distribution will be decided later. New voters and those already in the draft list may both receive EPIC cards. The INDIA bloc leaders argued that fair elections required an inclusive list without arbitrary deletions.

Public Sentiment and Symbolism

For many citizens, the rally represented more than politics. It symbolized a united call to protect voting rights. Large crowds showed that the issue resonated with common people. The sight of Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Kharge, and others marching together boosted morale among supporters. For the INDIA bloc, the march was both a symbolic and practical show of strength before elections.

The Voter Adhikar Yatra in Patna ended with fiery speeches and a massive display of strength. Leaders of the INDIA bloc emphasized democracy, justice, and voter rights. Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav stood together, signaling a united opposition. BJP leaders dismissed the rally as a political drama, but the turnout told another story. With elections approaching, the Patna march underlined both the potential and the challenges for the INDIA bloc.