Congress Bharat Jodo Yatra Begins from Manipur, Rahul Gandhi Presents Vision for India

The Congress Bharat Jodo Yatra commenced from Manipur, with Rahul Gandhi outlining a new vision for India centered around harmony, brotherhood, and equitability. The yatra aims to shape the narrative for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress party's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra commenced from violence-hit Manipur on Sunday, with Rahul Gandhi asserting that the party will present a new vision for India based on harmony, brotherhood, and equitability, devoid of hatred, violence, and monopoly.

Rahul Gandhi Flags Off Yatra, Attacks PM Modi

At a rally in Thoubal, Manipur, to flag off the over-6,700-km yatra, Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur during the ethnic violence and vowed to ensure justice for its people.

Gandhi emphasized the need for the yatra, stating that the country is going through a period of great injustice, and stressed the party's desire to listen to the people's concerns.

Kharge Attacks BJP, Warns Against Deception

Ahead of the Ayodhya Ram temple consecration ceremony on January 22, Kharge criticized the BJP and Modi, cautioning against using religion for political gains.

He urged people to be wary of those whose words and actions differ, referring to the Hindi idiom "Mukh mein Ram, bagal mein churi."

Milind Deora Resigns, Congress Downplays Exit

Hours before the yatra's commencement, senior Congress leader Milind Deora announced his resignation from the party, adding to the list of young leaders departing for new opportunities.

However, the Congress downplayed his exit, with general secretary Jairam Ramesh stating that while one Milind Deora may leave, lakhs of others who believe in the organization and ideology remain.

BJP Criticizes Yatra, Accuses Congress of Neglect

The BJP criticized the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, labeling it as "Bharat Todo Yatra" and accusing the Congress of neglecting its own leaders and people wronged by its past governments.

The party asserted that the Congress should prioritize justice for those affected by its actions rather than promoting Rahul Gandhi and maintaining the hold of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.

Rahul Gandhi Embarks on Custom-Made Bus Journey

Later in the day, Gandhi embarked on the journey in a custom-made Volvo bus equipped with a hydraulic lift to enable him to address crowds. Top Congress leaders, including Chief Ministers Siddaramaiah, Revanth Reddy, and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, cheered him on.

The bus traveled from Thoubal to Imphal, a distance of about 40 km, with Gandhi interacting with locals along the route. He also covered a short distance on foot after sunset, carrying a flaming torch, accompanied by other leaders and locals.

Women and Youth Attend Rally, BSP MP Joins Yatra

The yatra flag-off rally was attended in large numbers by women and youngsters. Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali, who was suspended by the BSP, also attended the rally and joined Gandhi in the bus.

Kharge Accuses Modi of Neglecting Manipur

Addressing the rally, Kharge alleged that Modi had visited Manipur for votes but failed to visit during times of trouble. The ethnic violence in the state last year claimed over 180 lives and displaced thousands.

Gandhi Explains Reasons for Nyay Yatra

With top Congress leaders present, Gandhi explained the reasons for undertaking the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra after his previous Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

He highlighted the prevalence of social, economic, and political injustice in India, including the exclusion of lower castes, Dalits, and tribals from the governance system.

Listening to People's Concerns

Gandhi emphasized the importance of listening to the concerns of farmers, laborers, small shopkeepers, women, and youths during the yatra.

He stated that the aim of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is to understand the pain and challenges faced by the people and to present a new vision for India based on harmony, equity, and brotherhood.

Vision of Peaceful and Prosperous India

Gandhi expressed his belief that the grassroots dialogue during the yatra will lead to the emergence of a vision for building a peaceful, prosperous, and powerful India.

He emphasized the importance of equality, brotherhood, and harmony, rejecting hatred, violence, and monopoly.

Criticism of BJP-Led Governments

Gandhi criticized the BJP-led central and state governments for the situation in Manipur, alleging that the people have suffered due to the politics and ideology of the BJP and the spread of hatred by the ruling party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

He pledged to bring back harmony, peace, and affection to the state and expressed solidarity with the people of Manipur.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Route and Duration

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will traverse 100 Lok Sabha constituencies in 15 states, covering a distance of 6,713 km. It will primarily take place in buses but also include walking segments and culminate in Mumbai on March 20 or 21.