Bharata Jodo Nyay Yatra: “North East is as important as any other part of India,” Rahul Gandhi advocates for unity from Nagaland

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday interacted with motorbike riders during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Nagaland's Mokokchung district. The fourth day of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the second installment of Congress’s Bharat Jodo Yatra was marked by a massive crowd that had gathered to welcome and interact with Rahul Gandhi.

“We wanted to send a message that the North East is as important as any other part of India. It doesn't matter if the population is small but the importance has to be the same," said Rahul Gandhi, addressing a public gathering in Mokokchung.

Launching a veiled attack on BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Wayanad MP said that the branch of Hinduism that he affiliates himself with does not “spread hatred.” “I don't try to take advantage of my religion. I try to live my life according to the principles of my religion…That's why I respect people, don't speak arrogantly, and don’t spread hatred. This is Hinduism for me," said Rahul Gandhi.

Speaking on the success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra that Rahul Gandhi had undertaken last year, he stated that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was inspired by it and the decision to organize a similar journey from east to west to foster unity among the people of India stemmed out of it.

“There is a problem that needs resolution and clearly, that is a problem that will require conversation, listening to each other and working to implement a solution and that is lacking as far as the Prime Minister's concern," said Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, emphasizing on the need for a resolution to the Naga problem, highlighting the absence of sufficient dialogue, mutual understanding, and effective implementation of a solution.

Congress launched the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra with Rahul Gandhi at the helm from Manipur's Thoubal district. The grand old party stated that the primary objective of the Yatra was to bring attention to critical issues such as unemployment, inflation, and social justice. Congress has maintained that the yatra is more of an ideological effort aimed at opposing the alleged wrongdoings of the BJP rather than a strategy solely focused on electoral gains. Covering a distance of 6,713 kilometers through a combination of bus and foot travel, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is set to traverse 100 Lok Sabha constituencies in 15 states. The march, spanning 67 days and passing through 110 districts, is anticipated to conclude in Mumbai around March 20 or 21.