“Bharat Jodo Yatra” Led by Rahul Gandhi: A Journey Through 15 States and 100 Lok Sabha Seats

“Bharat Jodo Yatra.” Led by senior party MP Rahul Gandhi, this ambitious journey will span 15 states, cover 110 districts, and touch upon 100 Lok Sabha seats, totaling an impressive 6,713 km over 66-68 days. Originally planned to cover 6,200 km across 14 states, the route now includes Arunachal Pradesh, showcasing the party’s commitment to inclusivity and national outreach.

The logistics and finer details of the yatra were meticulously discussed and finalized during a three-hour meeting attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretaries, state in-charges, state Congress presidents, and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leaders.

The Congress party aims to make the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra a collaborative effort by extending invitations to all INDIA alliance leaders, parties allied with Congress in different states, and civil society organizations. Jairam Ramesh, Congress communications chief, emphasized the inclusive nature of the yatra, stating, “Everyone is invited to the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.”

Explaining the rationale behind the name change, Ramesh highlighted the central theme of justice that encompasses the yatra. He noted, “The idea of justice is the idea of the yatra. We had a Bharat Jodo Yatra for 140 days; it proved to be a transformative movement in Indian politics. Everybody was of the unanimous view that we should combine the two, and that is why the yatra is now called Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.”

The Bharat Jodo Yatra is set to spend the most significant portion

In the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh. The route includes high-profile Lok Sabha constituencies such as Varanasi, represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rae Bareli, represented by Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Amethi, Rahul’s former seat currently held by Union Minister Smriti Irani. The party will cover 1,074 km across 20 districts in Uttar Pradesh, addressing key constituencies and engaging with the electorate.

Unlike the previous Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will not feature a permanent group of Congress workers and leaders marching alongside Rahul Gandhi. The yatris will walk 8-9 km daily, covering approximately 80 km by bus. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to deliver two speeches each day, emphasizing the party’s commitment to connect with the people at the grassroots level.

During the meeting, Congress President Kharge emphasized the importance of providing an alternative government in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He urged leaders to identify areas of strength and weakness, especially in seats dominated by Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and minorities. Additionally, Kharge stressed the need to ensure the names of eligible voters from these communities are not deleted from electoral rolls.

Kharge criticized the BJP for diverting attention from its governance failures by raising “emotive issues” and involving the Congress in every matter. He called upon party leaders to expose the BJP’s falsehoods and propaganda, emphasizing the importance of unity within the Congress ranks.

Reflecting on Sonia Gandhi’s leadership during the Congress session in Bengaluru in March 2001, Kharge recalled the resolution to remove the NDA from power. He highlighted the dedication and continuous effort that led to the UPA defeating the NDA in 2004, underscoring the need for a similar commitment to propel the party forward.

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra route is meticulously planned to cover various states, each with its unique political landscape:

Manipur (1 day): 107 km, four districts, two Lok Sabha, and 11 Assembly seats.
Nagaland (2 days): 257 km, five districts.
Assam (8 days): 833 km, 17 districts.
Arunachal Pradesh (1 day): 55 km, one district.
Meghalaya (1 day): 5 km, one district.
West Bengal (5 days): 523 km, seven districts.
Jharkhand (8 days): 804 km, 13 districts.
Bihar (4 days): 425 km, seven districts.
Uttar Pradesh (11 days): 1,074 km, 20 districts.
Madhya Pradesh (7 days): 698 km, nine districts.
Rajasthan (1 day): 128 km, two districts.
Gujarat (5 days): 445 km, seven districts.
Maharashtra (5 days): 480 km, six districts.

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is poised to be a significant political event, bringing together leaders, party workers, and citizens from diverse backgrounds to engage in a shared vision of justice and national unity. As the Congress party embarks on this extensive journey, it aims to resonate with the aspirations of the Indian electorate and reinforce its commitment to inclusive governance and social justice.

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