Thoubal: The much-anticipated Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0, known as Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, has kickstarted from Thoubal district in violence-hit Manipur on Sunday.
AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi formally launched the Yatra during an event held at Khongjom in Thoubal amid tight security.
More than 50 thousand people, including several national and regional Congress leaders attended the event.
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Ten political opposition parties of Manipur, including Communist Party of India, Janata Dal(United) and Trinamool Congress, extended full support to the Congress’s yatra.
Ahead of launching the Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offered tributes to the courageous martyrs of Manipur at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex. The congress leader on social media posted, ‘The extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of those who fought valiantly against the British for freedom and honor continues to inspire us till today. Their legacy motivates us to work tirelessly towards preserving peace and justice in our country’.
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Addressing the gathering at Khongjom, Rahul Gandhi slammed ruling BJP government over the current situation in Manipur. He criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to visit Manipur even after more than 8 months since the Manipur violence broke out on May 3 last year to offer solace to people affected by the violence.
Stating that the Congress party acknowledges the pain and suffering of the people of Manipur, he pledged that the party would work towards restoring relief and unity in the state.
Kharge, on the other hand, expressed thankful to the people of Manipur for the welcoming gesture on the launching of the yatra, and expressed hopeful to further extend cooperation and support to the yatra.
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He also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes for votes but did not bother and visit when people were in pain and trouble due to the violence.
The Congress president also alleged that a dictatorial attitude in governance is prevailing in the country and the BJP government is killing the essence of democracy.
The launching ceremony of the yatra also witnessed a performance from Padma Shri Guru Rewben Mashangva as he enthralled the gathering.
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The party’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi which has been kicked off from Manipur today aims to save the democracy and bring justice, equality and fraternity.
Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai (East to West) will cover 6,713 kilometre across 100 Lok Sabha constituencies, 110 110 districts and 12 states in 67 days. The yatra will finally culminate in Mumbai on March 20 or 21.
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