Imphal:Rahul Gandhi kicked off his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Khongjom, in Thoubal district in Manipur, a place which saw the fiercest battle in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. Significantly, the launch of the Yatra began with floral tributes to Martyrs at the Khongjom War Memorial.
Later addressing a huge rally in a private ground in Khongjom, Rahul Gandhi said, “ You have lost what you have valued but we will find what you have valued once again and bring it back to you. We understand the pain the people of Manipur have been through. We understand the hurt, the loss and the sadness you have been through. We promise you that we will bring back what you have valued, we will bring back the harmony, the peace, the affection that this state has always been known for.”
During his address, he also launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his indifference to the suffering of Manipur. “People lost their loved ones in front of their eyes and till now the Indian PM has not come here to wipe off your tears and hold your hands.” He also said that maybe for PM Modi, BJP and RSS, “Manipur is not a part of India.”
He also charged that Manipur is an example of the politics of hatred and ideology spread by BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He assured that Congress will strive to bring back harmony and peace to Manipur.
Continuing further he said, “We don’t want to tell you about our ‘mann ki baat’ but to hear about your ‘mann ki baat’. We want to know about your pain. We want to share a vision of brotherhood and harmony,” Gandhi said.
On the ‘Nyay’ in the Yatra, Rahul Gandhi said ), that it is to highlight the social, economic and political injustices happening in the country at present. He said that the purpose of the visit was to listen to the problems faced by people from all sections.
Congress president, Mallikarjum Kharge addressing the people at the rally also attacked Prime Minister Modi “PM Modi comes to Manipur to ask for votes but when the people of Manipur are in trouble he doesn’t show his face ‘wo samandar ke upar sair karta firta hai aur baithe jagah jap karte rehte hein Ram Ram’. Mukh mein Ram, bagal mein choori’, don’t do this with the people…everybody has faith in God but don’t do this for votes…these people (BJP) mix religion to provoke people.”
He also said that Manipur which was called the ‘Land of Jewels’ by Pandit Jawarharlal has fought for the independence, unity and integrity of the country. He called on all to support the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra of Rahul Gandhi for a united India.
Former Chief Minister of Manipur and veteran Congress leader, O Ibobi appreciated the people who gathered for the rally right from 8 am and stayed on till the end pitting up with all the inconveniences.
Hosts of Congress leaders including the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Telangana Chief Minister Rrevanth Reddy, Congress general Secretary and communication in charge Jairam Ramesh, party spokesperson Pawn Khera attended the launch programme.
The Yatra will cover a distance of 6713 km and will travel through 100 Lok Sabha segments in 15 states. The yatra will stop for an evening break at Koirengi Bazar at Imphal located around 40 km away. Rahul Gandhi and others will spend the first night of the yatra at the Koujengleima Sports Association football ground at Sekmai.
