The 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' spearheaded by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to commence today from Thoubal in Manipur. This extensive journey, covering 6,700 kilometers across 67 days and traversing 110 districts, will mark the Congress's endeavor to shape the narrative leading up to the impending Lok Sabha elections.
Emphasizing the ideological nature of the yatra, the Congress clarified that it is not merely an electoral move but a response to the perceived injustices during the ten-year tenure of the Narendra Modi government. Rahul Gandhi aims to cover diverse regions, starting in the northeastern states, traversing north and central India, and culminating in Maharashtra on March 20.
The journey will significantly devote time to Uttar Pradesh, covering 1,074 km across 20 districts in 11 days, followed by substantial periods in Jharkhand, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh. The yatra will traverse politically crucial areas in Uttar Pradesh, including Amethi, Rae Bareli, and Varanasi.
Uttar Pradesh holds particular importance for the Congress, considering its previous electoral outcomes, where the party secured only one Lok Sabha seat. The prolonged presence in the state aims to strengthen the party's foothold, especially in areas like Amethi, Rae Bareli, and Varanasi.
In Bihar and Jharkhand, the yatra will cover 425 km and 804 km, respectively, across seven and 13 districts. The extensive route is designed to encompass about 100 Lok Sabha seats and 337 assembly segments, fostering a connection with diverse communities.
The yatra, mainly conducted on buses and foot, represents a concerted effort by the Congress to bridge geographical gaps and engage with communities on a grassroots level. The initiation from Thoubal in Manipur comes amidst ethnic violence in the state since May 2023, with a visit planned to the Khongjom War Memorial before heading to Nagaland and other states.
The INDIA bloc, led by the Congress, has invited leaders of the Opposition to join the yatra at any point along its route, as highlighted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge during a virtual meeting.
