Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress, launched the second leg of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Khongjom in Thoubal district of Manipur on Sunday. The 6,700-kilometer yatra, marking the resurgence of the Congress’s nationwide campaign after a 12-month hiatus, aims to traverse 15 states, culminating in Mumbai on 20 March.
Arriving in Imphal with senior Congress leaders on a chartered flight from Delhi, Gandhi commenced the yatra with floral tributes at the Khongjom War Memorial, dedicated to the fallen heroes of the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. Addressing a large gathering at a private ground in Khongjom, he expressed concern over the state of governance in Manipur, which has been marred by ethnic clashes since May of the preceding year.
Gandhi’s scathing remarks included accusations against Prime Minister Modi, suggesting that for him and his political allies in the BJP and RSS, Manipur might not be considered a part of India. Drawing attention to the alleged indifference of the Prime Minister towards the plight of Manipuri citizens, Gandhi declared, “Maybe for him, Manipur is not a part of India, and your pain is not his pain.”
Labeling Manipur as an unfortunate example of the politics of hatred and divisive ideology propagated by the BJP and RSS, Gandhi pledged that the Congress would work towards restoring harmony and peace in the region.
Elaborating on the decision to name the yatra as one for ‘nyay’ (justice), he said that it was done to highlight the social, economic and political injustices happening in the country at present. He said that the purpose of the visit was to listen to the problems faced by people from all sections.
“We don’t want to tell you about our ‘mann ki baat’ but to hear about your ‘mann ki baat’. We want to know about your pain. We want to share a vision of brotherhood and harmony,” Gandhi said.
The high-profile meeting, attended by Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, chief ministers of Congress-ruled states, and former Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, serves as the launching pad for the Congress campaign leading up to the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
BJP takes jab at Rahul Gandhi amidst Milind Deora’s resignation
However, as political maneuvering unfolds, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized the opportunity to criticize Rahul Gandhi, particularly in light of Milind Deora’s resignation from the Congress. BJP’s Amit Malviya and national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla urged Gandhi to prioritize justice within his own party before embarking on the ‘nyay yatra,’ suggesting internal discord within the Congress.
Deora, a former union minister, announced his resignation from the primary membership of Congress, ending his family’s decades-old relationship with the party.
“Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of Congress, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party,” Deora said in a social media post.
“I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years.”
BJP IT cell Amit Malviya in a social media post said, “Rahul Gandhi should first do nyay (justice) to his party leaders. Nyay Yatra later.”
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla echoed Malviya’s remarks and said Gandhi should give justice to the leaders of Congress who are leaving the party one by one.
It would be better if he (Rahul Gandhi) starts ‘Congress Ke Netao Ki Nyay Yatra’ instead of ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’. There should be a ‘Congress Jodo Yatra’ because from north to south and east to west, Congress leaders are fighting each other and leaving the party because Congress has become a talent-free zone under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi,” Poonawalla told PTI.
Deora’s resignation came amid intense speculation that he would join the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde.
He recently expressed his displeasure over the Shiv Sena (UBT) publicly staking claim on the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency as an alliance partner of the Congress-led INDIA bloc. Deora said if such statements by an “alliance partner” don’t stop, his party too can announce candidates for seats.
Shortly after Deora’s resignation, Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, said, “I recall my long years of association with MURLI Deora with great fondness. He had close friends in all political parties, but was a stalwart Congressman who ALWAYS stood by the Congress party — through thick and thin. Tathastu!”
Manipur CM questions Rahul Gandhi’s yatra timing
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh questioned the timing of Rahul Gandhi’s yatra, expressing skepticism about its impact on the improving situation in the state. Accusing Gandhi of undertaking a ‘Bharat Todo’ (Break India) yatra instead of ‘Bharat Jodo’ (Unite India) Yatra, Singh suggested that the Congress leader’s presence might exacerbate rather than alleviate the prevailing challenges.
“Given the current situation in the state, is it a time for politics by holding a rally? It is the time to protect lives and properties, and provide consolation,” CM Biren Singh said.
“The situation is becoming better and we doubt if he (Gandhi) has come to mess with it. Whenever he comes, there is a problem. This time, Manipur is on alert. If he comes, we have to be on alert so that he does not mess with things,” the CM had said.