Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to launch his second extensive outreach initiative, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, from Thoubal district near Imphal with certain restrictions imposed by the Manipur government. The flagging-off ceremony is limited to an hour and a maximum of 3000 participants, as per the order issued by the Thoubal deputy commissioner.
The time constraint is due to the venue’s proximity to the national highway, requiring traffic diversion to alternate routes. Originally planned at Imphal Palace Ground, the Yatra shifted to a private ground in Thoubal after the BJP-led N Biren Singh government restricted participants to 1000.
The Yatra’s approval includes conditions against anti-national or communal slogans. Organizers are instructed to cooperate with state authorities, and permission is contingent on maintaining peace. The order emphasizes no adverse slogans during the rally, with cancellation if any situation jeopardizes peace, public order, and tranquility.
Starting from a private ground in Khongjom, Thoubal district, the Yatra holds particular significance in the context of ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, where tensions have resulted in more than 180 casualties since May. Despite its political undertones, the Congress party emphasizes that Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is not merely an electoral move. Rather, it serves as a response to the perceived denial of opportunities to address crucial issues in Parliament.
The initiative is geared towards re-establishing the fundamental principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution. Starting from a private ground in Khongjom, Thoubal district, the Yatra is expected to witness the participation of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other top leaders.
The journey spans 100 Lok Sabha segments across 15 states, culminating in Mumbai on either March 20 or 21. Encompassing Manipur and four northeastern states, the Yatra will traverse through West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
This extensive outreach program aims to revive the Congress party’s electoral prospects, especially in the wake of a lackluster performance in the recent round of assembly elections. The party’s decision to shift the Yatra’s commencement location from Imphal Palace Ground to a private ground in Thoubal reflects the impact of restrictions imposed by the BJP-led government on the number of participants.
As the Yatra progresses, it seeks to engage with diverse communities and address the concerns of people, fostering a connection with citizens across various regions and constituencies. The conditions set by the authorities, including restrictions on slogans and cooperation with state authorities, underscore the delicate balance between political expression and maintaining public order.