In a politically significant move ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is all set to launch the "Matdata Adhikar Yatra" (Voter's Right Journey) on August 10, starting from Sasaram, the district headquarters of Rohtas.

The Matdata Adhikar Yatra, conceptualised to raise awareness on the importance of voter rights and democratic participation, will be carried out in three distinct phases, covering 30 districts across Bihar. It is being seen as a major outreach initiative by the Congress party in the state where regional dynamics and caste equations often determine the political outcome.

Starting from Sasaram: A symbolic launch

Rahul Gandhi's yatra will begin from Sasaram, a city steeped in history and significance, being the hometown of Sher Shah Suri and a key socio-political region in western Bihar. The selection of Sasaram as the starting point signals Congress’s intent to make inroads into both urban and rural constituencies where the party has struggled in recent years.

According to party insiders, Rahul Gandhi is expected to address a large public gathering on August 10, followed by a road march and direct interaction with local communities.

The yatra route: Three phases, 30 districts

The Matdata Adhikar Yatra will unfold in three phases:

1. Phase One: Western and central Bihar including districts like Rohtas, Aurangabad, Arwal, Bhojpur, and Patna

2. Phase Two: North Bihar including Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Muzaffarpur

3. Phase Three: South-eastern districts like Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger, and Jamui

Through this yatra, the Congress aims to reconnect with grassroots voters, especially youth, women, and marginalised communities. The campaign is designed to promote electoral participation, tackle apathy towards democratic institutions, and highlight issues like unemployment, education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Political strategy: Reviving Congress in Bihar

The Congress party has historically had a strong presence in Bihar, but in recent decades, regional parties like RJD, JD(U), and BJP have dominated the landscape. Rahul Gandhi’s Matdata Adhikar Yatra is being viewed as an attempt to revive the party’s independent identity and rebuild its organisational strength in the state.

In recent months, Congress has stepped up efforts to restructure its Bihar unit, appointing new district-level coordinators, and initiating booth-level training. The yatra is expected to serve as a mobilising force for Congress cadres and bring visibility to its issues and promises.

Senior party leaders have confirmed that the yatra will include:

• Village-level sabhas

• Street corner meetings

• Social media campaigns

• Workshops on voter education

These activities are expected to culminate in a state-wide convention in Patna, where Rahul Gandhi will deliver a comprehensive address outlining the party's Bihar vision.

Focus areas: Jobs, social justice, and democratic accountability

Rahul Gandhi’s speeches during the yatra will likely focus on:

• Rising unemployment in Bihar, especially among the youth

• Poor infrastructure in government schools and public hospitals

• Migration crisis, especially after COVID-19

• The need to protect democratic institutions, which he alleges have been undermined by the current ruling alliance

• Caste-based census and reservation policies for social justice

The Congress intends to position itself as the voice of the marginalised, contrasting its policies with those of the ruling NDA coalition, which includes the BJP and JD(U).

Coordination with INDIA bloc partners

While the Congress is part of the INDIA bloc, the yatra will remain a Congress-specific initiative. However, sources say that local RJD and Left leaders may participate informally in some legs of the journey.

Political observers believe this move is a calculated attempt by the Congress to assert its role within the alliance and negotiate a better seat-sharing arrangement for the Bihar elections, expected later this year or early 2026.

Public reception and expectations

Initial reactions from the party base in Bihar suggest excitement and mobilisation. Several youth organisations and farmer groups have reportedly pledged support. The party hopes to leverage the momentum generated by Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which had previously brought him closer to rural voters.

A senior Congress functionary stated, “Rahul ji's yatra is not just political—it is a moral and constitutional mission. In a state like Bihar, where the battle is also social and ideological, the message of voter empowerment is crucial.”

Election Commission’s response and security measures

Given the scale of the yatra, the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the state police department have been informed. Special arrangements are being made to ensure law and order, especially in sensitive zones that have a history of political unrest.

The Congress has committed to ensuring that the yatra remains peaceful, inclusive, and apolitical in terms of public resources. Volunteer teams have been trained in crowd management, first aid, and logistics.

Conclusion

As Rahul Gandhi gears up to walk through 30 districts of Bihar, the Matdata Adhikar Yatra will serve as a litmus test for Congress’s relevance in the state. While challenges remain from powerful regional players and an entrenched BJP machinery, the yatra offers an opportunity for the Congress to reintroduce itself to Bihar’s voters.

Whether this initiative results in electoral dividends or not, it sends a clear message—Congress is not content being a junior partner anymore. Through on-ground presence and a people-first agenda, it seeks to reclaim political space and moral leadership in one of India’s most politically active states.

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