The Congress party encountered a setback on Wednesday as the Manipur government reportedly denied permission for the “Bharat Nyay Yatra” due to fresh violence in the state. The Yatra, scheduled to commence on January 14 and expected to be led by Rahul Gandhi, faced uncertainty with the denial of permission. Despite this obstacle, Congress leader K C Venugopal affirmed that the Yatra would proceed in Manipur. In the event of an unsuitable location, Venugopal stated the party’s readiness to conduct the Yatra in an alternative venue.
Chief Minister Singh addressed the situation on Tuesday, indicating that the decision to permit the Congress’s “Bharat Jodo Yatra” was actively under consideration. He emphasized that a concrete decision would be made after receiving reports from various security agencies, highlighting the critical law and order situation in Manipur. This cautious approach by the state government reflects concerns about security surrounding such a large-scale public event.
The “Bharat Nyay Yatra” is a substantial endeavor covering a distance of 6,713 km through a combination of bus and foot travel. The journey aims to traverse 110 districts, touch upon 100 Lok Sabha seats, and cover 337 assembly segments over 66 days. This ambitious itinerary underscores the party’s commitment to connect with people across the country, addressing issues and garnering support in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
The Yatra is scheduled to culminate on March 20 in Mumbai, further emphasizing its political significance. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge is set to inaugurate the program in the presence of chief ministers from Congress-ruled states and other top party leaders. This final event serves as a platform to outline the party’s vision and agenda for the future, bringing together key figures within the Congress party.
While the denial of permission in Manipur presents a challenge, the Congress party’s determination to proceed with the Yatra reflects its commitment to reaching out to the people. K C Venugopal’s statement about finding an alternative location demonstrates the party’s flexibility and resilience in the face of obstacles.