AICC leader Rahul Gandhi commenced the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Manipur on Sunday, vowing to mend the strife-ridden state's fabric of harmony and peace.
Sharing the pain, hurt, and loss of the people of Manipur during this challenging time, Rahul Gandhi assured that the Congress party will restore the lost harmony, peace, and affection that the state has always been known for.
In his inaugural speech, he expressed deep empathy for the people's pain, attributing it to what he described as the divisive ideologies of BJP and RSS stating, "Manipur has lost what is most precious to its citizens due to the ideology, politics, and hatred of the BJP and the RSS."
Reflecting on his June visit to a tumultuous Manipur, Gandhi remarked on witnessing unprecedented sorrow and a breakdown of governance, labelling it a first in his political career.
Criticising Prime Minister Modi for not addressing the state's agony, he deemed it a national shame and accused the BJP and RSS of neglecting Manipur's suffering.
"It's a significant shame that PM Modi hasn't even attempted to wipe the tears and acknowledge the pain of the people of Manipur," lamented Rahul.
"Considering all aspects, we have decided that this Nyay Yatra can only begin from Manipur, which needs justice the most," declared Rahul.
Drawing parallels to his previous Bharat Jodo Yatra, he detailed the hybrid nature of the Nyay Yatra, involving both paddle and bus, to accommodate time constraints posed by the upcoming general election.
Reflecting on the previous Bharat Jodo Yatra that allowed him to share the pain of people from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, he remarked, "The yatra was challenging, but it feels good to connect with the people."
Highlighting the mission of the Nyay Yatra, Rahul underscored the prevailing injustices in social, economic, and political realms.
He decried the concentration of wealth among a few while businesses flounder and unemployment rises, presenting the journey as an opportunity to connect with those seeking justice.
"I'd rather hear the public's Mann Ki Baat than impose my own," stated Rahul Gandhi, encapsulating the essence of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra which is an endeavor to unite the nation and address the profound injustices endured by its people.
Amid the ongoing unrest in Manipur, in a grand ceremony, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday flagged-off Rahul Gandhi's "Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra" from Khongjom in Thoubal district.
The yatra, spanning 67 days and covering over 6,700 kilometers, aims to traverse 15 states and 110 districts.
The inaugural event, attended by AICC leaders, MPs, chief ministers, and CLP leaders from various states including leaders from the I.N.D.I.A alliance saw thousands of supporters cheering for the yatra.
Unlike the previous Bharat Jodo Yatra, this journey will incorporate both paddling and bus travel, adapting to time constraints due to the impending general election.
The yatra's route, starting from Manipur and concluding in Mumbai, attracted well-wishers along the way, expressing hopes that it would bring peace to the violence-hit Manipur.
Rahul Gandhi, interacting with the people at various stops, embraced them with a message of justice.
The first leg concluded at Sekmai, following NH-2, where Rahul and his team will spend the night.
On Monday, Rahul is scheduled to address the public in Kangpokpi and Senapati as he continues towards Nagaland, marking the next phase of this extensive yatra.
