Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, continued their ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Bihar, aiming to connect with local communities and highlight rural issues. During the campaign stop in Katihar’s Kodha region, Rahul Gandhi met farmers from the Seemanchal area, including a group of makhana farmers who had traveled from Darbhanga to raise their concerns. Rahul Gandhi interacted with the farmers, listened to their grievances, and assured them of solutions. He also tasted makhana (fox nuts), a significant crop in the region, emphasizing support for local produce. Makhana farming, primarily concentrated in Bihar, faces several challenges due to inadequate government support and pricing issues. Farmers expressed that their conditions are often worse than those of other agricultural sectors. Tejashwi Yadav took the opportunity to criticize the ruling NDA government, stating that “even using the word ‘jumla’ (empty promise) has become a crime now.” When questioned, he reaffirmed that neither he nor his supporters are afraid of FIRs, asserting, “We speak the truth, and it bothers those in power.” This grassroots outreach comes ahead of upcoming elections, as the INDIA bloc ramps up efforts to consolidate support across rural Bihar.

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