A fresh political slugfest has erupted between the Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) after senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury publicly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for skipping the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar. The yatra, spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi, aims to highlight alleged threats to voting rights through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
While Mamata Banerjee chose not to attend the concluding leg of the yatra on September 1, TMC sent a delegation comprising Yusuf Pathan and Lalitesh Tripathi to represent the party. Chowdhury, speaking at a public event in Kolkata, accused Mamata of avoiding the rally to escape comparisons with Rahul Gandhi, triggering a sharp response from TMC leaders.
🧠Timeline of the Voter Adhikar Yatra Controversy
| Date | Event Description | Key Figures Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 17, 2025 | Rahul Gandhi launches Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar | Congress, Rahul Gandhi |
| Aug 31, 2025 | Adhir Ranjan criticizes Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata | Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Mamata Banerjee |
| Sep 1, 2025 | TMC delegation joins final leg of yatra in Bihar | Yusuf Pathan, Lalitesh Tripathi |
| Sep 1, 2025 | TMC responds to Adhir’s remarks | Kunal Ghosh, TMC spokesperson |
The yatra has become a flashpoint in opposition politics, with parties jostling for visibility ahead of the 2026 general elections.
🔍 What Adhir Ranjan Said
Addressing a gathering in Kolkata, Chowdhury accused Mamata Banerjee of deliberately skipping the event to avoid being overshadowed by Rahul Gandhi. “When Modi is trying to thwart the fight for voting rights, and all opposition leaders are present, Mamata Banerjee chooses not to go because she fears she will pale in comparison to Rahul Gandhi,” he said.
He further emphasized the inclusive nature of the yatra, stating, “Hindus, Muslims, Dalits—all have the right to vote. Rahul Gandhi is fighting to protect that right. Mamata’s absence speaks volumes.”
📉 TMC’s Response: Strategic Representation
TMC was quick to respond, defending Mamata Banerjee’s decision and asserting that the party’s support for the yatra remains firm. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated, “It is our decision who will represent the party. Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee have already endorsed the yatra. Yusuf Pathan and Lalitesh Tripathi are attending on behalf of TMC.”
Ghosh also took a personal dig at Chowdhury, saying, “Adhir Ranjan is feeling pain because Yusuf Pathan, who defeated him in Baharampur in the last Lok Sabha election, is part of the delegation”.
đź“Š Representation at the Voter Adhikar Yatra: Party Participation
| Political Party | Leader(s) Present at Yatra | Representation Mode | Remarks on Voting Rights Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Congress | Rahul Gandhi | Lead organizer | Strong opposition to SIR |
| Trinamool Congress | Yusuf Pathan, Lalitesh Tripathi | Delegation sent | Opposes SIR in Bengal |
| RJD, JD(U), CPI(M) | Multiple leaders | On-ground participation | Regional mobilization |
| AAP | No official participation | Silent on issue | Yet to issue formal statement |
The yatra has drawn participation from several opposition parties, though not all have sent their top leadership.
🔥 The SIR Controversy: What’s at Stake
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has sparked widespread concern among opposition parties, who allege that the process is being used to disenfranchise voters, particularly from marginalized communities.
| Allegation by Opposition | Government’s Position | Impact on Voter Base |
|---|---|---|
| Voter suppression tactics | Routine electoral update | Risk of disenfranchisement |
| Targeting minorities | No comment from EC | Political polarization |
| Lack of transparency | EC claims procedural integrity | Trust deficit among voters |
In Bengal, TMC has also opposed the SIR, vowing to block its implementation in the state.
🧠Political Implications Ahead of 2026 Elections
The spat between Congress and TMC reflects deeper tensions within the opposition bloc. While both parties are part of the INDIA alliance, their rivalry in Bengal and differing approaches to national leadership continue to create friction.
| Issue Area | Congress Position | TMC Position | Alliance Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership Visibility | Rahul Gandhi-led campaigns | Mamata prefers regional focus | Coordination challenges |
| Electoral Strategy | National mobilization | State-centric representation | Mixed messaging |
| Voter Rights Advocacy | Aggressive stance on SIR | Tactical opposition | Shared but fragmented agenda |
Political analysts believe that such public disagreements could weaken the opposition’s unified front unless resolved through strategic dialogue.
📦 Public Sentiment and Media Coverage
The controversy has sparked debate on social media, with hashtags like #VoterAdhikarYatra and #MamataVsAdhir trending across platforms. While Congress supporters hailed Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, TMC loyalists defended Mamata’s decision as pragmatic and strategic.
| Platform | Trending Hashtags | Sentiment Split |
|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | #VoterAdhikarYatra, #MamataVsAdhir | Polarized between parties |
| Regional news shares | Mixed reactions | |
| YouTube Shorts | Clips of speeches and responses | High engagement |
The media has largely focused on the optics of Mamata’s absence and the implications for opposition unity.
đź“Ś Conclusion
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s sharp criticism of Mamata Banerjee for skipping the Voter Adhikar Yatra has reignited tensions between Congress and Trinamool Congress, exposing fault lines within the opposition alliance. While TMC maintains its support for the yatra through delegation, the absence of its top leadership has become a talking point in national discourse.
As the 2026 general elections approach, the opposition’s ability to present a united front on issues like voter rights will be crucial. For now, the political theatre continues—with Mamata’s silence and Adhir’s rhetoric setting the stage for more confrontations ahead.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of September 1, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political, legal, or electoral advice.
