Former Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangam on Monday termed the Bharat Jodo Yatra launched by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a 'Second freedom movement' of India.
He was speaking at the observance of the 147th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the 38th death anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at Congress Bhawan, BT Road on Monday. The ceremony was organised by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the observance ceremony, Gaikhangam who is also member of steering column of All India Congress Committee (AICC), said that Bharat Jodo Yatra which was launched a month ago by Rahul Gandhi is going to create a new India which is free from any kind of suppression. The result of this movement would be seen in the next 2024 MP election, he said.
He further said that the Congress party being a strong believer of unity, integrity, sovereignty and secularism, Bharat Jodo Yatra was launched so as to unify India irrespective of caste, creed and community. The present BJP has been criticising the movement as well as other activities initiated by Rahul Gandhi. But the people of the country know the true meaning of the movement and started joining it alongside other political parties as well, he added.
CLP leader O Ibobi said that the leaders of the nation like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Indira Gandhi are commemorated to let the present generation know their contributions in nation building or freedom movement. He recalled how Indira Gandhi launched Operation Blue to deal with the Khalistani movement in Punjab to preserve unity and integrity of the country.
The observance ceremony was also held at the complex of Churachandpur District Congress Committee.
As a part of the ceremony, floral tributes were paid to the departed souls. Most of Congress MLAs, office bearers of the committee took part in the function.
