Bharat Jodo Yatra' is a mission to defeat the forces spreading hatred and venom of communalism in society by spreading messages of love and compassion, senior Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi said while addressing a gathering on the concluding ceremony of Bharat Jodo Yatra at Malout in Indora area of Kangra district, the last leg of yatra in Himachal. The yatra traversed around 24 kilometers from the Manser Toll Plaza to conclude at Malot village of Indora.
"This fight is actually not political, it is a fight of ideology, one can give it any framework, but this is not a political fight,” stated Gandhi, adding that Congress reply to divisive forces is only one, and it is 'love' and nothing else.
The Congress leader said that this yatra has succeeded not because only the Congress or an individual was a part of this yatra, but lakhs of people extended their support in this campaign to make it a huge success since day one when it started from Kanyakumari. It was unfortunate that the nation today is being divided in the name of caste, creed, religion, and even language, he added.
He also took on the BJP-led Union government on the issue of the “plight” of the farmers, adding that farmers, who were the backbone of the Nation and our 'Anna Datta', have been marginalized and were being cornered and victimised by the autocratic style of functioning of the Centre.
The BJP has no scheme or plan for the upliftment of the youth and common man as all the decisions of the BJP, such as demonetization, wrong implementation of GST etc. were aimed at benefiting the chosen few, he reiterated.
On the new Congress government in Himachal Pradesh led by Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, he said, "Chief Minister was a common man, who well understands the aspirations of the people. In a short span of one month, Himachal's Chief Minister has ensured that the State forges ahead on the path of progress and prosperity."
Sukhu while welcoming the Congress leader, said that it was due to the guidance and able leadership of Rahul Gandhi that Congress got a massive mandate in the recently concluded assembly elections. "In our first Cabinet, the State Government announced to implement 'Old Pension Scheme' for its employees to ensure the social security and humanity of over 1.36 lakh NPS employees of the State", said the Chief Minister.
Cabinet Sub Committees have also been constituted for finalizing the roadmap for implementation of the promises made by the Congress Party during the elections for creating one lakh employment opportunities in the State.
Member of Parliament and State Congress President Pratibha Singh welcomed Rahul Gandhi and assured him that the State Government and the Party would work in coordination to fulfill the promises made by the party in its Pratigya Patra.
The Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' entered Himachal Pradesh in the morning. After the march entered the state near Ghatota village, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring handed over the flag to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and state Congress chief Pratibha Singh. Gandhi then addressed people gathered in Manser village to participate in the march and welcome him.
Flanked by the state ministers on a foggy morning, Gandhi walked at a brisk pace amid sloganeering by enthusiastic party workers. Tight security arrangements were in place for the yatra and only select people were allowed to enter the security ring.
Gandhi, however, interacted with people, especially the youngsters, along the march route, besides party leaders.
''Earlier, Himachal Pradesh was not in the itinerary but we changed the route of the yatra to cover the state. Only one day was allotted and I feel more time should have been given, but the yatra is proposed to conclude in Kashmir on January 30 – the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi,'' the Congress leader added.
''It has been a learning experience and during the yatra, we made an attempt to know what is in the hearts of the people and focus on those issues,'' he said. Later, Gandhi also visited the historic Shiva Temple at Kathgarh to pay obeisance.
State Congress in-charge, Rajiv Shukla, co-in charge, Sanjay Dutt, Deputy Chief Minister, Mukesh Agnihotri, Speaker, State assembly, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Cabinet Ministers, MLA's, senior Congress leaders and people from various walks were present on the occasion.