New Delhi: Commencing on January 14th from Manipur, Rahul Gandhi is set to embark on Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0, a gesture acknowledging the ongoing struggles of the northeastern state recuperating from recent ethnic conflicts. Renamed Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra, this 66-day, 6,700-kilometer march will span across 15 states, encompassing over 100 Lok Sabha constituencies, concluding its journey at Porbandar in Gujarat—the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Initially intended to commence from Arunachal Pradesh, the yatra saw its name change in its second phase, explained by senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who cited the addition of ‘Jodo’ to recreate the resonance of last year’s impactful Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Emphasizing the underlying theme of justice within Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra, Jairam Ramesh highlighted its objective: to secure political, economic, and social fairness for the people of India.
The previous Bharat Jodo Kanyakumari-Srinagar Yatra, spanning India from south to north, garnered substantial positive reception, reshaping perceptions of Rahul Gandhi as a serious political leader with an affable connection to the people, privately acknowledged by Congress leaders.
Scheduled to commence from Imphal at 12:30 pm, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will traverse Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Arunanchal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and West Bengal before culminating in central India. Unlike the preceding journey, this yatra will incorporate travel by buses for certain segments, as confirmed by Jairam Ramesh in discussions with reporters, owing to time constraints posed by the upcoming general elections and the health concerns of senior party members.
The adjustment to include bus travel was motivated both by the forthcoming general elections’ time constraints and the health considerations of senior party members. Last year, several leaders drew attention due to the challenges they faced while keeping pace with the incredibly fit Rahul Gandhi.
Jairam Ramesh extended invitations to leaders from all parties associated with the INDIA alliance, their supporters, the general public, and NGOs, urging their participation in the yatra.