People Must Protect Their Right to Vote to Safeguard the Constitution, Says Rahul Gandhi Amid Electoral Roll Controversy

Madhubani, Bihar, August 26, 2025 — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today took a lead in the fight against supposed electoral manipulation, emphasising that maintaining the right to vote is vital to protecting the Indian Constitution. Addressing a crowded public meeting as part of the Voter Adhikar Yatra, he accused the central government and Election Commission of "stealing the vote" through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar. He said that the deletion of nearly 65 lakh voter names raises serious alarm bells for a country committed to democracy. 

Electoral rights under fire, asserts Gandhi.

Gandhi stated that losing the right to vote equates to losing constitutional democracy. He lambasted the government for ignoring appropriate electoral rolls, taking particular aim at the BJP for its systematic deletion and addition of voter names to drive favourable outcomes for them. “When people lose their right to vote, Constitutional protection is lost,” Gandhi emphasised, asking citizens to be alert and protect their own rights.

Broader Campaign & Political Context

The Voter Adhikar Yatra, initiated on August 17, has covered more than 20 districts, targeting alleged electoral irregularities. Rahul Gandhi has called this campaign a "fight for democracy," warning voters that if electoral fraud continues unchecked, there is danger to the Constitution itself.

At the same time, international observers and legal experts have concerns regarding the systemic and continuing threats to the integrity of India's electoral processes. If "vote chori" (vote theft) is an expanding concern in India, the Supreme Court is hearing public interest petitions challenging the legitimacy of the SIR process.