Youth must resist vote theft and protect India’s democratic spirit, says Rahul Gandhi in Bihar

Purnea, Nov 6: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that it would try to “steal votes” in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. He called upon the youth of Bihar to remain vigilant, asserting that it was their responsibility to safeguard democracy and protect the Constitution.

Addressing a public rally in Purnea, Gandhi claimed that the BJP has made a practice of winning elections through manipulation rather than genuine public support. Referring to his recent allegations regarding the Haryana assembly elections, Gandhi reiterated his charge that both the BJP and the Election Commission “stole” the mandate from the people. “We have shown the entire world that the BJP and the Election Commission have stolen the Haryana election,” he said, adding, “They will try to do the same in Bihar. It is now the responsibility of the youth to stop it.”

The Congress leader urged voters to stay alert at polling stations to prevent any electoral malpractice. “You must protect your votes and the Constitution. Do not let anyone take away your democratic rights,” Gandhi appealed to the crowd. He emphasized that Bihar’s youth must take an active role in ensuring free and fair elections, stating that the power to defend democracy lies in their hands.

Gandhi also launched a scathing criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of running a government that favours the rich at the expense of ordinary citizens. “The Prime Minister wants a rule of billionaires where the youth remain unemployed and the poor struggle to survive,” he said. He alleged that under the BJP-led government, India’s wealth gap has widened significantly, and opportunities for ordinary citizens have shrunk.

Turning his attention to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Gandhi accused him of betraying the aspirations of the state’s youth. “Nitish Kumar has turned the youth of Bihar into labourers. Instead of empowering them with jobs and education, his government has made them migrate in search of livelihood,” he said. Gandhi added that while the state’s young population remains full of potential, they continue to be denied opportunities due to poor governance and misplaced priorities.

Gandhi’s remarks come amid an increasingly charged political atmosphere in Bihar as campaigning intensifies. The Congress, which is part of the INDIA bloc, has sought to position itself as a defender of democratic values, alleging that the BJP’s electoral tactics are undermining the nation’s democratic foundations.

The Congress leader reiterated his belief that India’s youth have a historic role to play in restoring transparency and fairness in the country’s political process. “This is not just an election. It is a test of truth and courage. The youth of Bihar must lead the way in saving our democracy,” he said, drawing loud cheers from the audience.