In a strategic move to amplify its political outreach ahead of the looming Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party has rebranded senior leader Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming march as the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.’ This transformative decision was announced by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge during a meeting of party leaders in Delhi on Thursday.
The yatra, set to commence on January 14, will span an extensive 6,700 kilometers over 66 days, covering 15 states and 110 districts—an expansion from the initial plan of 14 states and 85 districts. The route will traverse 100 Lok Sabha constituencies and 337 assembly seats, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to engaging with the public.
The journey, led by Rahul Gandhi, will kick off at Imphal, Manipur, and conclude in Mumbai on March 20, 2024. Despite security concerns in Manipur, the Congress has affirmed its commitment to the planned route, primarily conducted via bus travel. Gandhi is scheduled to address two gatherings daily, with short breaks interspersed throughout the yatra.
Two trusted aides of Rahul Gandhi, B Srivatsa and KB Byju, presented details of the route, emphasizing the expanded coverage and strategic objectives of the yatra. The Congress aims to focus the national discussion on crucial issues such as inflation, unemployment, farmers’ plight, labor conditions, wealth disparity, and caste census.
Notably, Arunachal Pradesh has been included in the yatra, showcasing the Congress’s commitment to reaching diverse regions. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified that Arunachal Pradesh was always part of their plans, and the decision aligns with their goal of broadening the yatra’s impact.
Uttar Pradesh, with its significant 80 Lok Sabha seats, receives top priority, with Rahul Gandhi spending 11 days covering 1,074 kilometers in the state. The yatra will also spend considerable time in Assam, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
With the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the Congress aims to strengthen its connect with the public, leveraging the established ‘Bharat Jodo’ brand while emphasizing the pursuit of justice (‘nyay’) as the overarching objective of the yatra. The strategic move reflects the party’s determination to shape the national discourse and establish a robust presence in the lead-up to the crucial elections.
