“Nyay ka haq, milne tak”; Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra kicks off, Manipur welcomes Rahul Gandhi, hopeful for peace amidst turmoil

Congress flagged off its Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra with Raul Gandhi at the helm from Manipur’s Thoubal district on Sunday. The yatra aims to highlight pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and social justice that have purportedly been exacerbated by the ruling BJP Government’s alleged apathy. In the months leading up to the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress has clarified that the yatra is an ideological endeavor aimed at opposing the alleged misdeeds of the BJP, rather than being focused on electoral gains.

Manipur was selected as the inception point of the second installment of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra because the social, political, and cultural ethos of the Northeastern state has been marred by mindless violence for over eight months. Congress had emphasized that Manipur would be the most appropriate location for kickstarting the yatra as it would play a crucial role in healing the wounds of the conflict-ridden state and convey a message of peace and solidarity, a dimension the party claims has been neglected by the Prime Minister. The grand old party has underscored that the primary aim of this journey is to bring an end to the "anyay kaal" (era of injustice) prevalent during the ten years of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government.

Day 1 of the rally started with hundreds congregating in Thoubal to see Rahul Gandhi. Eyes brimming with hope for a better tomorrow devoid of any violence, bloodshed, death and devastation, an elderly woman had come out in support of Rahul Gandhi to the rally ground. “We have come here to meet Rahul Gandhi. He has come to help us, the people of Manipur. We want him to restore peace in our state,” she said. Expressing her lack of faith over the Prime Minister’s claims of “Nari ka Samman”, she questioned if the women of Manipur were not Indians. “Modi is not listening and that saddens me, he has done nothing to help us or to restore normalcy in the state,” she added.

“It has been months and we are disappointed with our Prime Minister. We Manipuris are also a part of India and we want him to take the necessary steps as soon as possible. What is happening in Manipur should be his primary concern,” asserted Melody, a Manipuri woman who feels let down by the alleged lack of action taken by the Central Government. The consensus of the crowd ranged from disappointment to anger towards PM Modi and the ruling BJP government.

It is noteworthy that Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra marks the first political public gathering in Manipur since the onset of ethnic clashes on May 3 that have disrupted the state. The people of Manipur warmly welcomed Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership with songs and dances, offering a moment of celebration and respite from the hardships imposed by violence. The "Manipur to Mumbai" chapter of the yatra gained significant support from the people of Manipur, with large crowds turning up to commemorate the beginning of the rally in Thoubal. The Congress-inaugurated bus had embarked on its journey, departing from the valley area and heading towards the hills amidst enthusiastic cheers and passionate slogans.

The commencement of the second day was characterized by a vibrant display of cultural expression, a palpable sense of excitement, and a newfound hope among the residents of a region that has been adversely affected by the uncertainties of violence. The yatra bus journeyed through the picturesque landscape of Manipur, passing through Motbung, Kangpokpi, and the Senapati area, with Rahul Gandhi engaging with the local populace and conveying a message of unity and brotherhood.

“I did not expect in Manipur, after so much difficulty that people would just pour out for a public meeting…this underlines the yearning for peace, they want someone to come and resolve this, they do not want to live like this,” said political activist Yogendra Yadav, underscoring the fact that the masses of Manipur are grappling with the prevalent tumultuous climate. “The government could have controlled the violence in 3-4 days if they wanted. They did not want to. They have the power, then why is it that after 8 months, this violence has been allowed to simmer? Are there any other interests?” he questioned.

As the bus advanced, students from schools and colleges came together to warmly welcome Rahul Gandhi, wholeheartedly embracing the Congress's initiative. They expressed hope that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra would play a pivotal role in bringing about peace and restoring normalcy in Manipur. “I hope Rahul Gandhi can bring back peace to the people of Manipur,” said a student from amongst the crowd.

“Congress will be able to quench the Violence in Manipur. BJP has failed, Modiji could not help us, he could not prevent the violence from spreading,” said a man from the hills. The residents of Manipur expressed their frustration with the Central Government for its perceived inability to manage the situation. Some mentioned that the past few months would leave an enduring mark on their memories, while others conveyed disappointment with Prime Minister Modi. Some expressed optimism, hoping that normalcy would be restored someday.

The people of Manipur greeted Rahul Gandhi with garlands and traditional folk dances, and draped him in a traditional shawl, symbolizing their inclusive embrace. However, amid the festivities and celebrations, the resounding call for peace in Manipur resonated the loudest.

Expressing optimism, Esther remarked, "It is like a festival. Rahul Gandhi can only restore peace in our state. I think starting today, we can expect some peace here in Manipur." Esther, along with others, expressed the desire for leaders like Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi to lead the way ahead. The general sentiment among the people is fatigue from the violence, and there is a collective yearning for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.

Congress’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will traverse 100 Lok Sabha constituencies across 15 states, spanning a total distance of 6,713 kilometers by both bus and foot. This march is scheduled to pass through 110 districts over 67 days, with its anticipated conclusion in Mumbai around March 20 or 21.​