Dipankar Bhattacharya Alleges 'Surgical Strike' via SIR to Disrupt Bihar’s Election for Change

He claimed that people across all sections of Bihar have recognized a conspiracy to steal votes.

Speaking to reporters in Nawada during Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Voter Rights Yatra,’ Bhattacharya said, “The Voter Rights Yatra has sparked hope among the people. Bihar’s election will be one of change.”

He criticized the BJP-JDU government, which has ruled Bihar for 20 years, stating, “Big promises were made, but the situation here is dire. Unemployment, poverty, and migration due to rising debt are at their peak.”

He further alleged, “Bihar is under the rule of criminals today. We’ve all seen the video of criminals entering a Patna hospital, shooting, and escaping.”

Bhattacharya recalled a 13-day march from Nawada to Patna last year, noting that just before it, a Dalit settlement in Nawada was set ablaze to evict residents. “During the march, we saw significant anger among Dalits. Gaya district has the highest incidents of Dalit atrocities. Even today, if Musahar community laborers demand their wages, their hands are cut off,” he said.

He added, “This election is about change in Bihar, but the Election Commission has launched a ‘surgical strike’ through SIR to create chaos. Names of legitimate voters were removed under the pretext of targeting infiltrators.”

Bhattacharya asserted that every section of Bihar now understands that SIR is a ploy to steal votes.

All India Mahila Congress chief Alka Lamba said, “Rahul Gandhi undertook the Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Now, he is on the Voter Rights Yatra to protect voting rights. From the streets to Parliament, our slogan is clear: ‘Vote thieves, leave the throne” .

She demanded electronic voter lists and CCTV footage, alleging the Election Commission is afraid to provide electronic data.

Lamba added, “As soon as the Voter Rights Yatra began, the BJP sent the Chief Election Commissioner to hold a press conference, where the Election Commission got exposed. No matter how much they try to intimidate Rahul Gandhi, he will not back down. He has made it clear—vote thieves, wherever they are, will be found and held accountable.”