New Delhi, Dec 27 (The Street Press India) – On Wednesday, the Congress revealed its exciting plan for a ‘Bharat Nyay Yatra,’ with Rahul Gandhi leading the way from Manipur in the east to Mumbai in the west, passing through 14 states and 85 districts.
This incredible yatra is set to wrap up on March 20, covering a vast distance of approximately 6,200 km. Along the way, it will journey through the states of Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
“After the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress will take out a Bharat Nyay Yatra under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi ji,” announced Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh during a press conference. The journey will commence on January 14, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge flagging off the yatra from Imphal.
Ramesh also mentioned a mega rally planned for December 28 in Nagpur, marking the Congress foundation day. Named ‘Hain Tayyar Hum’ (we are ready), this rally will kickstart the Congress’s preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Highlighting the purpose of the Bharat Nyay Yatra, Ramesh emphasized its focus on securing economic, social, and political justice for the people of the country.
Confirming the initiative, Congress general secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal stated, “The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has decided to hold a ‘Bharat Nyay Yatra’ from January 14 to March 20 from Manipur to Mumbai”.
During the Bharat Nyay Yatra, there will be engaging interactions with women, youths, and marginalized communities, fostering meaningful connections.
The yatra’s mode of transportation will primarily be by bus, complemented by short stretches of walking, as revealed by K C Venugopal.
The decision to embark on the yatra stemmed from a unanimous resolution by the Congress Working Committee on December 21, urging Rahul Gandhi to lead the second phase of the journey from east to west.
Explaining the choice of Manipur as the starting point, Venugopal emphasized its significance in the country and expressed the party’s commitment to initiate the process of “healing the wounds” of the people in the northeastern state.
Manipur faced a severe ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities, leading to over 200 casualties and displacing nearly 60,000 people since the violence erupted on May 3.
Jairam Ramesh highlighted that during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi addressed concerns such as economic disparities, polarization, and dictatorship. The upcoming Nyay Yatra, on the other hand, will center around advocating for social, economic, and political justice for the people of the country.
“After spreading the message of unity, love and harmony through Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi will seek justice for the people of the country,” stated Jairam Ramesh.
In a post on X, Ramesh explained that while the Bharat Jodo Yatra focused on the Constitution’s Preamble pillars of “liberty, equality, and fraternity,” the Bharat Nyay Yatra is anchored specifically in the Preamble’s first pillar of justice—social, economic, and political.
He emphasized, “The repeated assaults on the Constitution will not be allowed to succeed!”
Regarding the participation of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties in the yatra, K C Venugopal mentioned that final details were still being worked out.
Jairam Ramesh highlighted that leaders from various political parties had joined the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Notably, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi led the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, spanning from September 7, 2022, to January 30 of the following year.
The 136-day march covered an impressive 4,081 kilometers, spanning 75 districts and 76 Lok Sabha constituencies across 12 states and two Union territories.
Throughout the yatra, Rahul Gandhi actively engaged with the public, addressing 12 public meetings, conducting over 100 street-corner meetings, and participating in 13 press conferences. His interactions included more than 275 planned walking sessions and over 100 sitting discussions.