Rahul Gandhi to launch Bihar yatra ahead of assembly polls

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is set to embark on a state-wide yatra in Bihar from 10 August, just months ahead of the assembly elections, sources said. Modelled on the lines of his earlier Bharat Jodo campaigns, this padyatra (foot march) will take place in three phases and conclude on 26 August.

The yatra will cover 18 districts, mainly in the Magadh, Patna, and Kosi regions. According to party insiders, its objectives are to assess the ground situation, energise party workers, and build electoral momentum for the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) of a few INDIA bloc parties.

Last year, during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra — which began in Thoubal (Manipur) and ended in Mumbai — Gandhi traversed seven districts of Bihar, including Kishanganj, Araria, Purnea, and Sasaram, holding public meetings and outreach events over four days.

The upcoming yatra will begin from the Tutla Bhavani temple in Rohtas district. In the first phase, the caravan will travel from Sasaram to Aurangabad. The second phase will cover Gaya, where a public meeting is scheduled in Bodh Gaya, and proceed towards Patna via Nawada. The route and schedule for the final phase are still being finalised, per Congress sources.

A significant portion of the journey will be a foot march, allowing Gandhi to directly engage with people. The culmination is likely to be a grand rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, organised jointly by the Congress and Mahagathbandhan partners-RJD and CPIML.

Top alliance leaders — including the RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav and CPI(ML)’s Dipankar Bhattacharya — are expected to join Gandhi at major stops along the route. Sources say the aim is to mobilise crowds and demonstrate Opposition unity across all eight divisions of the state.

The Bihar Congress is actively mobilising grassroots leaders and workers to ensure the yatra’s success. Gandhi is expected to focus on direct interactions with people, listening to their concerns, and articulating the alliance’s electoral vision especially on issues such as the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls, unemployment and corruption.