Rahul Gandhi cancels roadshow after terror alert, meets people from closed vehicle amid tight security

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi altered his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar on Thursday following a terror alert, travelling in a closed vehicle instead of an open jeep and skipping several scheduled halts. Security was tightened along his route, with police presence increased at key points.

Gandhi went directly from his Sitamarhi camp to the Janaki temple in Punauradham, where he performed the aarti of Mata Janaki, received a garland and chunari, and met the chief priest. He was accompanied by Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and VIP president Mukesh Sahni during the temple rituals. Journalists present at the site were not allowed to interact with him.

The roadshow planned in Dhaka, Motihari, was cancelled due to security concerns. Gandhi reached Motihari around 11 am, an hour ahead of schedule, and briefly interacted with the public from within his closed vehicle. He is staying at City Hotel and is scheduled to resume the yatra from Azad Chowk in the evening.

Speaking earlier at Riga Chowk in Sitamarhi on the 12th day of the yatra, Gandhi described the campaign as “not just a Voter Adhikar Yatra. This is a journey of your rights.” He alleged that “only votes are being stolen now. After vote theft, your ration card and land will be snatched.” Gandhi also referred to Maharashtra’s assembly elections, saying the BJP had won in areas with significant new voter turnout. Meanwhile, a complaint was filed against him at Gandhi Maidan police station in Patna by BJP executive member Krishna Singh Kallu, who alleged that Gandhi made indecent remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tejashwi Yadav, responding to BJP’s criticism, stated, “There should be no politics on religion. Everyone has their own faith.”