Congress Bharat Jodo Yatra Hits Roadblocks in Assam, Corruption Charges Fly

The Congress Bharat Jodo Yatra encounters difficulties in Assam, with the party alleging more obstacles compared to its previous yatra. Corruption accusations against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma surface, with Rahul Gandhi criticizing Sarmas alleged corruption expertise.

As the Congress Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra continued its journey through Assam on its second day, the party raised concerns about the difficulties it faced in the state compared to other BJP-ruled regions during its first yatra from south to north. The party persisted in its accusations of corruption against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, with MP Rahul Gandhi asserting that other BJP-led states could learn from Sarma's methods of corruption.

Gandhi Addresses Tribal Rights and Development

The ongoing yatra, which commenced in Manipur on January 14, aims to culminate in Mumbai on March 20. During his first public gathering of the day in Majuli, a predominantly tribal-dominated region, Gandhi highlighted the importance of recognizing the rights of adivasis as first dwellers. He criticized the BJP's approach of referring to tribals as "vanvasi" (forest dwellers) and accused the party of attempting to confine them to forests, depriving their children of educational opportunities and economic empowerment.

Criticism of BJP's Governance and Prime Minister Modi

Gandhi further criticized the BJP's governance in the region, particularly in Manipur and Nagaland. He alleged that the Prime Minister had failed to address the ongoing civil war-like situation in Manipur and had not fulfilled promises made to Nagaland regarding a final peace accord. Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi claimed that the PM's absence from Manipur exposed the political reality of the BJP. He emphasized the Congress's belief in local governance and its opposition to the idea of governing the country from Delhi, asserting that each state should be governed from within its own borders.

Focus on Corruption in Assam

The Congress maintained its focus on corruption in Assam, with MP Gaurav Gogoi highlighting the issue during a press conference in Majuli. Gogoi stated that the party aimed to address the most pressing concerns of the people in each state during the yatra. He pointed out the ongoing violence in Manipur, unfulfilled promises in Nagaland, and the prevalence of corruption in Assam as key issues raised by the people.

Challenges Faced by the Yatra in Assam

The party's national general secretary, Jairam Ramesh, expressed concerns about the difficulties encountered by the yatra in Assam compared to other BJP-ruled states during the first Bharat Jodo Yatra. He claimed that the yatra had faced more obstacles in Assam within two days than it had anywhere else. Ramesh also mentioned threats of FIRs and imprisonment, as well as attempts to prevent people from joining the yatra. Despite these challenges, Ramesh asserted that no power could prevent the yatra from completing its scheduled programs in Assam, which would continue for the next six days, covering a total distance of 833 km across 17 districts.

Yatra's Progress and Future Plans

During the day's journey, the yatra participants sought blessings at the 300-year-old Sri Sri Auniati Satra, a Vaishnavite monastery, in Majuli. After a night halt at Gogamukh, the yatra will enter Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday and resume in Assam the next day with a public rally at Kaliabor on Sunday.