NEW DELHI: The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, spearheaded by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, received a warm welcome as it entered Bihar on Monday, marking a significant juncture in its journey to mobilize public backing ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. In a sharp rebuke aimed at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Jairam Ramesh, a prominent figure within the Congress party, denounced the former’s move to ditch the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ ruling coalition in Bihar, labelling him as a ‘girgit’ (chameleon) for his selfish political manoeuvring.
#WATCH | Congress’ ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ enters Bihar, party leader Jairam Ramesh says, “After Nitish Kumar’s betrayal yesterday, the people of Kishanganj, Bihar are giving a great welcome to Rahul Gandhi and the Yatra. We had invited Mamata ji and also Nitish ji but he turned… pic.twitter.com/yNW7v5YkIo
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2024
The Yatra, a strategic move by the Congress ahead of the impending Lok Sabha polls, gained momentum as it traversed through Manipur, Northeast India, and West Bengal, culminating in its entry into Bihar. Rahul Gandhi’s presence in the state marks his first visit since the 2020 Assembly elections, reflecting the party’s renewed focus on the region.
Nitish Kumar’s move to switch alliances according to his political interests has stirred controversy, with his recent realignment with the BJP-led NDA prompting criticism from erstwhile allies and opposition parties alike. The Congress’s alliance partners in Bihar, including the RJD and CPI(ML)-L, have been invited to join forces in a rally aimed at addressing Kumar’s political volte-face.
During public addresses scheduled as part of the Nyay Yatra’s Bihar leg, Rahul Gandhi is anticipated to target Nitish Kumar over his latest political somersault. The Congress’s vehement reaction to Kumar’s alliance shift underscores the volatile political climate in the state.
Meanwhile, the JDU has accused the Congress of attempting to hijack the political narrative, citing arrogance as a driving force behind the breakdown of the INDIA alliance. Nitish Kumar’s resignation as Chief Minister further underscores the discord within the political landscape, with implications for the broader INDIA platform.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, projected as a national movement for justice, began from Manipur’s Thoubal, spanning over 6,700 kilometres across 110 districts, and will culminate in Mumbai. This ambitious yatra signifies Congress’s concerted effort to galvanize public sentiment and consolidate support nationwide before the General Elections.