New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will formally kick off his campaign for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections today, joining Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav for two joint rallies in the state.
The rallies, scheduled in Sakra (Muzaffarpur) and Darbhanga, mark Gandhi’s first public appearances in Bihar during the current election cycle. He will campaign alongside Tejashwi Yadav, the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate, in a show of unity aimed at bolstering the opposition alliance’s prospects against the ruling NDA.
According to Bihar Congress Media Department Chairman Rajesh Rathore, Gandhi will first address voters in Sakra, supporting Congress candidate Umesh Kumar Ram, who is contesting from the reserved constituency. The second rally in Darbhanga will target voters across the Mithilanchal region, where alliance candidates are contesting.
Party officials expect strong turnout at both events, highlighting the significance of the joint appearance. This is the first time Gandhi and Yadav are sharing a stage during the current campaign, signalling coordinated efforts by the Congress and RJD to challenge the BJP-JD(U) alliance.
Gandhi’s visit follows his earlier outreach in August, when he spent 16 days in Bihar as part of the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’, covering over 1,300 kilometres across multiple districts.
The NDA has criticised Gandhi’s limited presence in the state so far, accusing the Congress of lagging behind its allies in ground mobilisation. On Saturday, Gandhi took to social media to criticise the central government over inadequate train services during the festive season, citing hardships faced by migrant workers returning to Bihar for Chhath Puja.
(Inputs from IANS)