Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to commence the Bharat Nyay Yatra on January 14. This yatra, spanning 85 districts across 14 states, is anticipated to conclude on March 20.
Previous Yatra
Before this, Rahul Gandhi led the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.
Route and Starting Point
The Bharat Nyay Yatra will kick off from Imphal, the capital of Manipur, and reach its endpoint in Mumbai.
Yatra Coverage
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal revealed that the Bharat Nyay Yatra will traverse Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Mode of Travel
Unlike the Bharat Jodo Yatra conducted entirely on foot, the Bharat Nyay Yatra will involve bus travel with intermittent walking stretches.
Announcement and Focus
Addressing the media on December 26, K.C. Venugopal highlighted that the yatra’s details would be shared later. Jairam Ramesh, Congress’s General Secretary for Communication, emphasized that the Bharat Nyay Yatra aims to address social, economic, and political justice issues in the country.
Flag-off and Significance
Mallikarjun Kharge, the party’s president, will inaugurate the yatra in Imphal. The choice of Manipur as the starting point is attributed to healing the wounds of the people and its strategic importance in the country.
Addressing Regional Issues
Manipur, recently marred by ethnic clashes, holds significance as Gandhi had previously toured the state during the unrest. The Congress party has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting the state during or after the clashes.
Participation of Other Parties
Regarding the participation of other political allies in the INDIA alliance, the party leaders mentioned ongoing discussions. During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, leaders from various political parties joined Rahul Gandhi for short stretches.
Impact on Election Campaign
When questioned about the potential impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha election campaign, K.C. Venugopal assured that the election campaign and the yatra can proceed concurrently. Further details are expected to be communicated later.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi’s announcement of the Bharat Nyay Yatra marks a significant political move as he embarks on a journey spanning 85 districts across 14 states. Contrasting with the previous Bharat Jodo Yatra, this expedition will incorporate both bus travel and walking stretches. The focus on addressing issues of social, economic, and political justice underscores the party’s commitment to addressing critical concerns facing the nation. The symbolic choice of Manipur as the starting point, coupled with the potential participation of other political allies, adds a strategic dimension to the yatra. As the yatra unfolds, its impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha election campaign remains a point of interest, with party leaders assuring that both endeavors can coexist. The Bharat Nyay Yatra not only serves as a political mobilization tool but also reflects the Congress party’s dedication to engaging with regional issues and fostering unity across diverse states.
