Stealing a march

With the “vote theft” campaign, Mahagathbandhan leaders believe they have enough momentum to sustain their fight through the assembly elections and beyond

- BY BADAR BASHIR/Sasaram

Enthusiastic youth, rooftop gatherings of voters, loud music, booming announcements about “vote theft” and Tejashwi Yadav’s projected comeback have charged up the opposition’s campaign against Nitish Kumar's two-decade rule in Bihar. Adding to the momentum is the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra,' launched from Sasaram, the historical capital of Sher Shah Suri and the electoral bastion of Jagjivan Ram.

Posters at the rally display the faces of nearly every opposition leader. Groups of Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress workers wave banners and shout “Mahagathbandhan zindabad” as they march. Cadres of smaller parties join in.

On stage, two leaders of the younger generation—55-year-old Rahul Gandhi and 35-year-old Tejashwi—prepare to address the crowd. “My elder brother, leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi, has given the BJP a hard time,” Tejashwi says. “Together, we are here to defend your fundamental right, the right to vote.” Clips of Rahul and Tejashwi bonding, including one of Rahul pouring water for RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, are quickly circulated on social media to project closeness and unity within the INDIA bloc.

During Tejashwi’s speech, some RJD supporters chant “Rahul Gandhi zindabad”, underscoring how the Congress leader has injected new energy into the campaign ahead of the assembly polls. The crowd is buoyant, with many convinced that nothing can stop the RJD-led alliance from defeating the ruling National Democratic Alliance.