Rahul Gandhi, a Congress leader, is currently leading the ‘Voter Rights Yatra’ in Bihar, protesting the SIR process. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy joined the yatra on Tuesday, August 26th, coinciding with Hartalika Teej. Priyanka is scheduled to participate in the yatra for two days and is expected to be present in Sitamarhi on Ganesh Chaturthi. Sources indicate that Rahul and Priyanka are also considering a visit to the Janaki Temple. However, a final decision is pending due to security concerns and the need for route and administrative approvals.
The Mahagathbandhan’s voter rights yatra resumed from Supaul towards Madhubani after a nine-day break. Priyanka Gandhi was seen with Rahul and Tejashwi in a jeep. This marked Priyanka’s first participation in the yatra, and she greeted the public with a wave. A large crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of her.
Priyanka chose significant days for her participation. Her first day coincided with Hartalika Teej, a festival primarily celebrated by women in Bihar. Women along the route were seen with puja thalis. Priyanka interacted with women at a camp, listening to their concerns.
The second day of the yatra, Ganesh Chaturthi, will see the yatra entering Sitamarhi, the land of Mother Janaki. Congress strategists are keen for Rahul, Priyanka, and Tejashwi to visit the Janaki Temple. According to Alka Lamba, the President of the Mahila Congress, Priyanka chose to participate during women’s festivals, and is also engaging with the women of Bihar. She is also planning to visit the Janaki Temple.
Sources reveal that Rahul and Priyanka are keen to visit the Janaki Temple. Their strategists are working to finalize security arrangements and routes to accommodate the large crowds of workers, leaders, and the public. However, the temple visit has not been confirmed yet due to security considerations.
The BJP raised questions regarding the Gandhi family’s absence from the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. In response, the Congress stated that even the Shankaracharyas, the most important figures in Sanatan Dharma, questioned the incomplete temple consecration. The Congress maintained that the Ram Temple event was a BJP publicity stunt, not an act of faith, and further noted that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had facilitated the opening of the Ram Temple.