Rahul Gandhi at Imphal Airport with Senior Party Members – Exclusive Photo from (X)

Live Stream: Congress ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Manipur – Tune In Now!

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to commence his second large-scale outreach programme, the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,’ from the ethnic strife-torn Thoubal district in Manipur today. The yatra will kick off at noon from the historic Khongjom War Memorial, covering a substantial distance of 6,713 km. This extensive journey will span across 100 Lok Sabha constituencies, 337 assembly segments, and 110 districts, ultimately concluding in Mumbai on March 20 after a 67-day expedition.

Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by other senior party members, was seen at Imphal airport, marking the beginning of this crucial yatra. A sequel to the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra,’ where Rahul Gandhi covered over 3,000 kilometers on foot from Kanya Kumari to Srinagar, this new campaign, ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra 2.0,’ is expected to involve extensive bus rides by the Congress leader.

However, amid ongoing tensions in Manipur, the state government has imposed certain restrictions. According to the orders issued by the Thoubal deputy commissioner’s office, the flagging-off ceremony of the yatra should not exceed one hour, and the maximum number of participants is capped at 3,000 people. As Rahul Gandhi embarks on this significant journey, it remains to be seen how this outreach initiative will shape political dynamics and garner public support across the country. Stay tuned for updates as the yatra progresses.

Despite the BJP employing various tactics, including denying permission for the opening rally at the Palace grounds in Imphal, the launch of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Manipur remained undeterred.

Even before the scheduled start of the rally, Nyay Maidan in Khongjom is already at full capacity, highlighting the enthusiastic response and overwhelming support for the yatra.

BJP’s Attempts to Halt Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Thwarted: Jairam Ramesh

In a significant political shift, Lok Sabha member Danish Ali, recently suspended by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) for anti-party activities, has joined the Congress-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Manipur. Ali, who has actively criticized the BJP, expressed his commitment to the “biggest drive for unity and justice,” stating that his conscience guided him to take a stand against the exploitation of marginalized and poor sections of society.

In a series of social media posts, Ali highlighted the pivotal moment, explaining, “I had two options – either to accept the status quo and ignore the exploitation of Dalits, backwards, tribals, minorities and other marginalized and poor sections, or to launch an all-out campaign against this atmosphere of fear, hate, exploitation, and the deepening divide in the country.”

Referring to the derogatory remarks made against him in Parliament by BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri, Ali emphasized that the attack on him was part of a larger plan to create an atmosphere of fear and hate in the country. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi had visited Ali to express support after the incident.

Despite the suspension from BSP, Ali has not confirmed his entry into the Congress, maintaining focus on his commitment to fight against the BJP. He expressed gratitude to BSP chief Mayawati for making him a Lok Sabha MP and affirmed his dedication to working for the strength of the BSP.

Congress’s Uttar Pradesh chief Ajay Rai condemned Ali’s suspension, describing it as “unwarranted,” and pledged support to strengthen Ali and his causes. The development underscores the evolving political dynamics and alliances ahead of crucial elections, with Ali’s move bringing attention to the shifting political landscape in Uttar Pradesh. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.

In a surprising turn of events, Milind Deora, a close aide of Rahul Gandhi and prominent Congress leader, has officially resigned from the primary membership of the Congress party. This move marks the culmination of a significant chapter in his political journey, bringing an end to his family’s long-standing 55-year relationship with the party.

Deora took to Twitter to make the announcement, stating, “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.”

The decision comes on the heels of Deora expressing his dissatisfaction with the Shiv Sena (UBT) staking a claim to the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency. Last Sunday, he voiced his concerns, stating that if such statements by an “alliance partner” persist, his party may also consider announcing candidates for contested seats.

A day before the commencement of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur, the Congress clarified on Saturday that it is an ideological journey, not an electoral one. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized that the yatra aims to highlight the “anyay kaal” (era of injustice) during the 10 years of the Narendra Modi government.

Addressing a press conference alongside former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, State Party Chief Keisham Meghachandra Singh, and Congress Working Committee member Gaikhangam, Ramesh stated that the country faces an ideology promoting polarization, economic disparities, and political authoritarianism.

“The yatra is being taken out keeping in mind political, economic, and social injustices committed in the last 10 years,” Ramesh said. He underscored that the yatra is a political party’s initiative with an ideological focus and not geared towards electoral gains.

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is scheduled to pass through 100 Lok Sabha constituencies across 15 states. The Congress anticipates it to be as transformative as Rahul Gandhi’s previous cross-country march. The yatra aims to re-establish the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution, as the government allegedly did not provide an opportunity to address people’s concerns in Parliament.

Initially planned to be flagged off from Imphal, the yatra will now commence from a private ground in Manipur’s Thoubal district, as the state government granted conditional approval for Palace Grounds in Imphal with restrictions on the number of participants. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will cover 6,713 km, mainly by bus, and will span 110 districts, 100 Lok Sabha seats, and 337 assembly segments over 67 days, concluding in Mumbai on March 20 or 21.