The Yatra’s route spans 100 Lok Sabha segments in 15 states, culminating in Mumbai on March 20 or 21
Raghvendra Dubey
The ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is undeniably a success, not only measured by the overwhelming support it has garnered but also by the diverse sections of society eager to share their concerns. The exuberance of the people has been remarkable even in states where the Congress is not in power. The intelligentsia, a far diminished force, is of the opinion that the yatra offers a ray of hope to a land that has witnessed an unprecedented assault on its democratic and pluralist traditions by an elected government. There is also a view that the march can varnish Rahul Gandhi’s public image that has been at the receiving end of much criticism — manufactured or bona fide. Gandhi’s involvement in the march and his commitment to its cause, combined with his ability to lend an ear to the ground, could, the argument goes, facilitate a transition of his credentials as a leader in the public eye.
The ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi, transcends the conventional boundaries of a political rally, evolving into a compelling crusade against the perceived injustices and atrocities orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
Commencing at a pivotal juncture in the nation’s history, marked by the unprecedented suspension of 146 MPs from the parliament, the Yatra signifies a collective urgency to unite against a decade of perceived injustice under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
The Yatra’s initiation in Manipur carries profound significance as the state grapples with ethnic violence, yet Prime Minister Modi chose to abstain from visiting this conflict-prone northeastern region. As the Yatra progressed through Manipur, Nagaland, and entered Assam, the BJP’s futile attempts became apparent.
In Manipur, the Biren Singh-led government imposed unreasonable restrictions, and now the Assam government has filed what seems like a petty case, perhaps aimed at demotivating the Yatra. However, these actions are mere ploys by the BJP to undermine a historic cause.
During the initial phase of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, I had the privilege of participating and experiencing the historic journey firsthand. The most memorable moment occurred when the Yatra was passing from Jukkal constituency before entering Maharashtra, creating an atmosphere charged with energy and hope.
The Yatra’s route spans 100 Lok Sabha segments in 15 states, culminating in Mumbai on March 20 or 21. This strategic journey aims to cover extensive ground, resonating with the collective aspirations of the nation. Rahul Gandhi’s east to west Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the largest mass outreach programme ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, will cover 6,700 km from Manipur to Maharashtra.
Rahul Gandhi’s earlier ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra,’ which commenced on September 7, 2022, from Kanyakumari, and culminated in Jammu and Kashmir after traversing 12 states over 4080 kilometers in about 136 days, showcased his potential to connect with the people. The Yatra activated both the old and new cadre of the Congress party, demonstrating Gandhi’s commitment to understanding the ground realities and offering hope for a better future.
As the Yatra gains momentum in Assam, diverse sections of society, including retired government officials, unemployed youth, women’s self-help groups, farmers, tribal organizations, and students, are reaching out to Congress leaders. This inclusivity reflects genuine hope in Rahul Gandhi as a national leader who listens to the unheard voices of the people.
The ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is undeniably a success, not only measured by the overwhelming support it has garnered but also by the diverse sections of society eager to share their concerns. The restrictions and false cases imposed by the BJP are perceived as feeble attempts to thwart a historic cause that resonates with collective aspirations for justice and positive change in India.
The Yatra has transformed into a beacon of hope, uniting people nationwide against perceived injustices, and highlighting the potential for transformative leadership under Rahul Gandhi. This journey serves as a testament to the power of collective will for change and justice, leaving behind a trail of hope and inspiration as it weaves through different regions. As the Yatra progresses, it positions itself as a significant force shaping the narrative leading up to the crucial 2024 General Elections.
The objective of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is to unite India and adresses five forms of injustice being perpetrated upon the people, Rahul Gandhi is smartly connecting with maases expressing their grievances in decisive ways. “My yatra aims at uniting India and addressing five different kinds of injustice. People are subjected to financial wrongs, unemployment, inflation, privatisation of public sector units and social injustice against tribals, Dalits, women, farmers and the poor. These injustices have to be addressed at any cost.
“Last year, Bharat Jodo Yatra was undertaken from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to spread the message of love and affection against the prevailing atmosphere of hate. The Yatra had tasted success and drew a large crowd.Lakhs of people joined in the Yatra. Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha were left out from the Bharat Jod Yatra. People from these areas urged us to undertake Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra saying that hate was also being spread in their area,” Gandhi said.
“They told us that injustices are being meted out in their States and tribal lands were also being snatched and provided to industrial houses like the Adani group. This has prompted me undertake Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Maharashtra this year,” added Gandhi.
