PATNA, Aug. 2 -- As Bihar gears up for the upcoming assembly elections, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is set to launch a multi-phase yatra in the state, beginning from Rohtas district on August 9 or 10, party leaders familiar with the development said. Modelled on the second phase of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the initiative will combine padyatras in densely populated areas with travel by car or a specially designed bus through sparsely populated regions. Announced by RJD leader and Bihar's Opposition Leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the yatra aims to mobilise Congress and Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) workers, while strengthening the opposition's grassroots connect in a high-stakes electoral contest. The yatra will unfold in four phases, covering key regions of Bihar. In the first phase, Rahul Gandhi is set to visit Rohtas, Buxar, Aurangabad, and Gaya over a span of three to four days. A key highlight will be the inauguration of a 2-BHK house in Gaya for Bhagirath Manjhi, son of the iconic 'Mountain Man' Dashrath Manjhi. Bhagirath had joined the Congress during Gandhi's earlier visit to Gaya and Rajgir. The house, constructed by the Congress, symbolises the party's outreach to the marginalised communities, particularly Mahadalit voters - a crucial electoral bloc. The second phase, likely to begin after August 15, will cover the Seemanchal region, including Kishanganj, Katihar, Araria, Purnea, Supaul, and Saharsa - areas with significant minority populations. The third phase will focus on the Mithilanchal districts, while the final leg will cover Central Bihar, including Nawada, Nalanda, Begusarai, and Patna. The yatra is expected to culminate in a grand rally at Patna's Gandhi Maidan by late August or early September, potentially attended by AICC General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, adding star power to the campaign. The yatra comes at a crucial time, with the INDIA bloc - comprising the Congress, RJD, and other allies - aiming to challenge the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by chief minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and the BJP. In the 2020 assembly polls, the NDA secured a narrow victory. With the political stakes high, both sides are intensifying efforts to sway Bihar's diverse electorate. Through the yatra, the Congress seeks to counter the NDA's narrative by raising key issues such as unemployment, inflation, and social justice, while consolidating its support base across various regions. The symbolic inauguration of Bhagirath Manjhi's house underscores the party's targeted outreach to Mahadalits, a voter segment long courted by Nitish Kumar through welfare initiatives. Tejashwi Yadav's announcement of the yatra signals the Mahagathbandhan's intent to project unity and energise its cadre. The participation of all constituent party leaders and workers is aimed at strengthening the alliance's organizational machinery, which faltered in 2020. Rahul Gandhi's padyatra-style outreach, which gained momentum during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, is designed to generate direct public engagement and media attention. However, the NDA remains a formidable force. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has increased his visits to Bihar, launching development projects and addressing rallies to boost the alliance's appeal. Chief minister Nitish Kumar has unveiled a slew of welfare schemes targeting women, youth, and rural voters. The BJP, meanwhile, is banking on Modi's popularity and a combination of its Hindutva narrative and development agenda to retain its edge. The structure of the yatra reflects a calculated strategy to address Bihar's regional and social diversity. By covering Seemanchal, Mithilanchal, and Central Bihar, the Congress aims to engage a broad spectrum of communities - including minorities, OBCs, and upper castes. The concluding rally at Gandhi Maidan, with possible participation from both Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, is expected to serve as a key moment to project the opposition's united front and vision for Bihar. As political temperatures rise, Rahul Gandhi's Bihar yatra is poised to play a critical role in shaping the pre-election narrative and testing the INDIA bloc's ability to mount a strong challenge to the NDA's dominance. With both sides sharpening their messaging and ramping up ground-level activity, the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections promise to be a closely watched and fiercely contested political battle....