– Sahar Khan
Raipur, Feb. 12: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, resuming his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Chhattisgarh, cited the real identity of India as “Mohabbat ka Hindustan” and asserted “It’s not the hatred but love, affection and brotherhood that remains inherent in the DNA of the country.”
“The hatred spread by BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) doesn’t bode well for the country. Instead of strengthening, any hostility based on language or caste or community will weaken the nation. So, the goal of the yatra is to secure for our future generation – a Hindustan that endures on love,” he said while addressing the gathering during his roadshow in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh, adjoining the Odisha border.
Rahul emphasised an apparent “distrust prevailing” over media, claiming that the actual concerns that affect the common Indian citizens don’t get highlighted. “I have come to communicate directly with you through such yatra because the media doesn’t raise or highlight our genuine voices and concerns. And now the people can straight away listen to our issues.”
Rahul recommenced his yatra on Sunday after a two-day break. The Congressmen felt his visit is simultaneously imparting new energy and enthusiasm among the party leaders and cadre ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Narrating the justification for carrying out the yatra, Rahul cited the need to highlight what he stated as ‘securing justice’ — economic, social and for farmers, women, youths, labourers, to empower the country. He launched Manipur to Mumbai Nyay Yatra on January 14, will cover a distance of 6,200 km, crossing 14 states.
“The hate and violence are increasing owing to Anyaya (injustice). Those who are spreading hate cannot be ‘Desh-premi’ (patriots) for the country”, he affirmed.
“During my previous Bharat Jodo Yatra, I walked over 4000 km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and met lakhs of people. I realized that the DNA of the country is not based on hate or ill-feeling. People from different faiths and thoughts are living together in harmony”, he said.
He took the occasion to criticize the BJP-led Centre’s decision on Agniveer scheme allegedly shattering the hopes of lakhs of youths, and slammed PM Narendra Modi for not having visited so far to violence-hit Manipur state, need for caste-based census among others.
The Yatra, which will touch 7 districts of the state from Raigarh via Korba to Sarguja (in the north), to cover 536 km in five days, will reach the Jharkhand border on February 14.
The Congress state-incharge Sachin Pilot, ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel, state president Deepak Baij, former Speaker Charandas Mahant among other senior party leaders and cadres accompanied Rahul during his yatra.
Recently, ex-CM of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel was given a crucial responsibility as senior observer not just to coordinate the second phase of Rahul Gandhi’s yatra but also for the all-party related activities in INDIA bloc.
On Monday, Rahul is expected to meet the affected tribals and villagers who are fighting against the coal mining in the Hasdeo Arand rich forested terrain in north Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur.
