The Bharat Jodo Yatra of Congress has entered its last stage in North Indian states. The influence of Congress is particularly decreasing in these states. So, it’s more important to create an impact in these states.
The yatra began in September as a solo effort by the Congress party. Also, many civil society activities joined the yatra at different places in Tamil Nadu. Moreover, Congress has been making attempts to reach out to other parties outside UPA. This includes Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Details of Bharat Jodo Yatra
The yatra began in Kanyakumari. It commenced on 7th September. The original plan of the yatra was to cover the distance to Kashmir from the southern tip. For ending the yatra in Kashmir, the party has got confirmation from PDP and NC in J & K for their joining. This means that the final leg of the yatra will include three former CMs of Jammu and Kashmir. It includes Mehbooba Mufti, Farooq, and Omar Abdullah — joining it.
Unlike other parties who joined the parties, PDP and NC are not political allies of the national party. The Congress party has sent invitations to various other parties inviting them to join the yatra.
The ‘larger’ Plan
Sending an invitation to other parties and planning this yatra, has been a way to project Rahul Gandhi as an important leader. After the defeat of Congress in the State Assembly polls earlier this year, there was pressure on him to stay away from the work of Congress president. Alongside, he expressed his desire to stay away too. But, this yatra has become a medium to establish him as the face of a united opposition against the BJP. This correlates with the 2024 parliamentary elections.
But, a senior TMC leader said that the Yatra has not received much support outside UPA with a few exceptions. He continues that this attempt cannot be compared to the marches by freedom fighters for independence.
However, it is a good attempt for Congress which has tried to move away from its approach of drawing–room politics. TMC says that Mamata Banerjee herself is known for her street politics. So, she doesn’t need to join this yatra to send any political message.
But, Congress leaders maintain the stand that they are not using this yatra for establishing any leadership in the opposition camp.
Popular Faces at Bharat Jodo Yatra
The yatra did witness some popular faces joining it. It includes the southern superstar Kamal Haasan who joined in Delhi. He launched his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in February 2018. However, he did not participate in the yatra when it was in his home state Tamil Nadu.
It is speculated that Rahul Gandhi himself wrote personal letters to many personalities for an invitation to this yatra. The Yatra was particularly important in Rajasthan where the party has been witnessing inner feuds.
Even the former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan joined the yatra on his call. Along with other personalities like Swara Bhaskar, Pooja Bhatt, Akansha Puri, Riya sen, etc.
Summing up,
Despite its success and share of popular Faces joining the yatra, there have been some rejections too. Opposition Parties like Samajwadi Party (SP), the BSP, and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) did not join the yatra. For now, the Yatra is in Delhi and it will enter Uttar Pradesh on 3 January.
The Congress says that Bharat Jodo Yatra aims to highlight the cause of national integrity and economic issues. So, other opposition who relate to them can join it. Also, they say that it is not any political attempt for any show of strength.
