Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur amid ongoing violence, asserting that the PM only visits the state during elections to garner votes. Kharge made these remarks during the launch of the party’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, where he, along with Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi, flagged off the march from Thoubal in Manipur.
The yatra, spanning over 6,700 kilometers and 67 days, will traverse 110 districts. Before its commencement, party leaders and workers observed a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives in the state’s recent violence.
Kharge continued his criticism of PM Modi, accusing him of invoking the name of Lord Ram solely for electoral gains. He alleged that the BJP intertwines religion with politics to incite the public, while the Congress stands for secularism, equality, and social justice. Rahul Gandhi, according to Kharge, is in Manipur to empathize with the people and address their concerns, emphasizing the party’s commitment to protecting the Constitution.
Kharge highlighted the historical significance of Manipur, quoting past leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, who described the state as the “jewel of India.” He asserted that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra aims to safeguard the Constitution, democracy, and counter-fascist forces. The Congress leader stated that the yatra advocates for employment opposes price hikes, and supports farmers’ rights.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, speaking before the yatra’s launch, emphasized Rahul Gandhi’s visit as a historic moment, conveying a message of peace, love, and brotherhood to Manipur, which has faced prolonged violence.
Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali, recently suspended by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), also joined the launch of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Manipur. Ali expressed his commitment to the yatra’s mission against divisive forces, framing it as a call to unite the nation against fear, hate, exploitation, and divisiveness.
