The Congress party disclosed on Friday that the venue for Rahul Gandhi’s march, ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,’ in Manipur has been relocated. Originally set to commence from Imphal’s Hapta Kangjeibung on January 14, the yatra will now kick off from Khongjom village in Thoubal district.
Former Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi accused the ruling government, led by N Biren Singh, of employing delaying tactics for the yatra. Ibobi alleged that Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief K Meghachandra had sought security approval on January 2, but the state’s Home department did not provide clear directives.
AICC Manipur in-charge Girish Chodankar expressed concerns over the state government’s stance, stating that it appears ‘nervous’ and ‘scared’ of Rahul Gandhi. After days of withheld ground clearance, the state government finally granted permission on January 10, but with certain conditions.
The Manipur Home Department directed the Magistrate of Imphal East district to allow the yatra with a limited number of participants. Advance submission of participant names was also mandated. However, Chodankar highlighted inconsistencies in the department’s notifications regarding the allowed number of participants, ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 people.
During the 66-day yatra covering over 6,700 kilometers through 110 districts, Rahul Gandhi aims to conclude the journey in Mumbai on March 20. The Congress emphasized that the yatra is not merely political but a walk for peace and justice for all of India.
Girish Chodankar urged Chief Minister Biren Singh to prioritize Manipur over party politics and utilize the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ as a means to restore peace in the violence-hit state. O Ibobi echoed this sentiment, appealing to people from all political backgrounds to join the yatra for the collective goal of bringing peace and justice to the region.