Hours after holding the third of his “vote chori” press conferences, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday released a video message urging young voters in Bihar — particularly Gen Z — to turn out in large numbers for the first phase of polling on Thursday and “save democracy through truth and non-violence.”
‘Tomorrow Is Not Just Voting Day, But Bihar’s Future’
“My young friends from Bihar, my Gen-Z brothers and sisters — tomorrow is not just a day for voting, but a day to decide the direction of Bihar’s future,” Gandhi said in a video shared on his official X handle.
“Many of you will be voting for the first time — this is not just your right, but democracy’s greatest responsibility,” he added.
The Congress leader warned that attempts at “vote theft” — which he alleged took place in Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh — could be repeated in Bihar. “Now their eyes are on Bihar, on your votes, on your future,” he said.
Call for Vigilance and Mass Participation
Gandhi urged young voters to stay alert and resist manipulation at polling booths.
“Stay vigilant against every conspiracy, every manipulation at the booth — democracy’s greatest strength is an aware public,” he said.
“Bihar’s future is in your hands. Defeat this conspiracy of ‘stealing votes and forming government this way.’ Walk the path of truth and non-violence and save democracy with your vote. Awaken Bihar,” the Congress MP added.
He appealed to voters to support Mahagathbandhan candidates in their constituencies. The alliance — led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) — includes the Congress and other opposition parties seeking to oust the ruling NDA in the state.
Context: The ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations
Earlier in the day, the Raebareli MP had held a press conference at the Congress headquarters in Delhi, where he unveiled what he termed a “hydrogen bomb” — fresh allegations that the BJP had “stolen” Haryana by adding 25 lakh fake voters with the alleged involvement of the Election Commission.
The poll body has dismissed the charge, as it did in Gandhi’s previous two “vote chori” pressers. The Congress has refused to accept the results of the October 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, alleging electoral fraud.
Bihar Election Schedule
The first phase of polling in Bihar will cover 121 Assembly constituencies on Thursday, while the remaining 122 seats will go to polls in the second phase on November 11.
Counting of votes for both rounds is scheduled for November 14.
‘Gen Z’ and Youth Movements Across South Asia
Gandhi’s reference to Gen Z comes in the backdrop of youth-led political movements in several neighbouring countries.
In recent years, young citizens have been at the forefront of protest movements that toppled governments in Sri Lanka (2022), Bangladesh (2024) and Nepal (2025).
The Congress leader’s message attempts to tap into that generational energy, urging India’s young electorate to become a decisive force in defending democratic values.