The Congress abruptly halted its Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Tuesday as Rahul Gandhi departed for Delhi on a special flight from Ambikapur. According to local Congress leaders, Gandhi decided to head to Delhi after observing the ongoing farmers’ protest in Punjab and Haryana. Gandhi intends to engage in discussions with the protesting farmers, the local congress leaders said. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also accompanied Rahul Gandhi on his journey to Delhi.

Earlier, Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra advanced through the Sitamani area of Korba district of Chhattisgarh, drawing both support and dissent from the public. While the Yatra received enthusiastic cheers from many, there were instances of “Modi-Modi” slogans being chanted. Gandhi, however, chose to emphasise the positive energy from the crowd, downplaying the dissent.

During his public discourse, Gandhi scrutinised the central government’s approach to OBC reservations, denouncing them as insufficient and inequitable. He delved into the purported adverse impacts of GST on businesses and individuals, particularly small-scale entrepreneurs. Expressing reservations about the transient nature of the Agniveer recruitment scheme, Gandhi highlighted potential concerns regarding national security.

Expanding on the discourse, Gandhi critiqued the recent Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, alleging the exclusion of OBCs, Dalits, and tribals, key segments of the population, from the event. He juxtaposed this exclusion with the conspicuous presence of affluent personalities, accentuating what he perceives as a skewed focus.

In a press conference, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said: “The Prime Minister’s post is not a beauty pageant; it demands commitment to the nation’s well-being.” Describing the Yatra’s core principles, Ramesh underscored its advocacy for “Nari Nyay” (women’s justice), “Yuva Nyay” (youth justice), “Kisan Nyay” (farmers’ justice), “Shramik Nyay” (workers’ justice), and “Hissedari Ka Nyay” (justice of participation), aligning with the party’s ideological stance.

Sachin Pilot, Chhattisgarh Congress in-charge, highlighted the broad-based support garnered by Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra, transcending regional boundaries and reflecting the aspirations of diverse segments of society.

As the Yatra traverses through Chhattisgarh, it continues to evoke mixed reactions and ignite discussions on various political and social issues. While its ultimate impact remains to be discerned, it serves as a platform for public engagement and debate on issues of national significance.