Congress leader Jairam Ramesh takes a dig at PM Modi, questions why he has not visited Manipur
- Jan 15, 2024,
- Updated Jan 15, 2024, 2:10 PM IST
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh who is taking part in Rahul Gandhi led 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' starting from Manipur, targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 15, questioning him as why he has still not visited Manipur which has been reeling under violence since May 3, 2023.
Speaking to the media during the second day of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Manipur, Jairam Ramesh said, "People are asking us why PM Modi has not visited Manipur? Everyone wants Rahul Gandhi to raise this issue in the parliament and ask PM Modi to come to Manipur and meet us...".
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi embarked on an ambitious journey called the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, a significant political movement was initiated from Thoubal, Manipur, with the aim of traversing the vast landscape of India to foster harmony and address issues of social, economic, and political injustice.
The yatra, which translates to "Unite India Justice March," is set against the backdrop of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, serving as a platform for the Congress to challenge the ruling BJP's policies and approach. The Congress has been vocal in its criticism, accusing the BJP of blending religion with politics, particularly criticizing their use of Lord Ram's imagery for electoral gains.
During the launch event in Thoubal, Rahul Gandhi expressed his concerns about the impact of BJP's ideology on Manipur, stating that the state had suffered from the politics of hatred. He pledged to restore peace and harmony, which he claimed were once synonymous with the region. Accompanied by Mallikarjun Kharge, the President of the Indian National Congress, Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting the troubled state and for exploiting religious sentiments for votes.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is planned to cover a distance of approximately 6,713 kilometers over two months, culminating in Mumbai on March 20-21. The journey will see Gandhi traveling through 15 states and engaging with constituents in 100 Lok Sabha constituencies. A custom-made Volvo bus equipped with a hydraulic lift will facilitate his addresses to the public along the route.
Rahul Gandhi's first stop after initiating the yatra was at a tea stall in Lamjing Bazar, a few kilometers from the starting point. His message throughout the journey is clear: to listen to the people's 'Mann ki Baat' (heartfelt issues) and to create a vision for India that is rooted in harmony, equity, and brotherhood, steering away from violence, hatred, and monopolistic practices.
This march is a strategic move by the Congress to connect with the masses and to position themselves as a viable alternative to the BJP, with a focus on secularism, liberty, equality, social justice, and the preservation of the Constitution. As the country gears up for the general elections, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra stands as a testament to the Congress party's efforts to unite the nation under a banner of justice and inclusivity.