Wayanad MP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday rolled out the detailed roadmap of the much-anticipated Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, terming it a decisive step in protecting India’s democratic soul. The yatra, scheduled to begin on August 17 from Dehri-on-Sone in Rohtas district, will span 16 days, covering nearly 1,300 kilometres across more than 20 districts, and will culminate with a massive rally in Patna on September 1.

Unveiling the itinerary, Gandhi declared, “This is not just a padyatra, it is a fight to preserve the principle of ‘One Person, One Vote.’ The Constitution gives every citizen an equal right to vote, and no conspiracy to weaken it will be allowed to succeed. This march belongs to the people of Bihar, to every citizen who believes in democracy.”

According to the schedule shared, the yatra will travel through Sasaram, Aurangabad, Gaya, Sheikhpura, Munger, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Champaran, Siwan, and several other districts. Three “pause days” — August 20, August 25, and August 31 — have been earmarked for strategy meetings and public outreach preparations.

Rahul Gandhi emphasized that the initiative was inspired by his earlier Bharat Jodo Yatra, but this time, the focus was sharply on electoral rights and voter integrity. He accused the BJP and the Election Commission of attempts to manipulate electoral rolls through additions and deletions, warning people to remain alert.

“Democracy cannot survive if votes are stolen or diluted. This yatra is a collective resolve — a jan andolan — to ensure every citizen’s right is safeguarded. Bihar will show the country how people can rise to protect their democracy,” Gandhi said in his appeal for mass participation.