In continuation with its efforts to mobilise and consolidate its ‘lost’ voters and party’s credentials, the Congress will, after its Bharat Jodo Yatra, reach out to 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats spread across six lakh villages covering 10 lakh booths as part of its “Haath Se Haath Jodo” outreach campaign. The party on Friday announced that it will also deliver a letter written by party leader Rahul Gandhi who is leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra, to each house along with a charge sheet against the BJP led Modi government from January 26 to March 26. "As part of this campaign, 2.5 lakh gram panchayats, six lakh villages and about 10 lakh election booths will be covered," Congress general secretary and chief spokesman Jairam Ramesh said at the AICC press conference.
The Congress has never undertaken such a programme at this scale, he said, adding there will also be a 'Mahila Yatra' in every state capital, padyatras at block levels and conventions at the district levels in which state and national level leaders will participate,”
He also released Rahul’s letter that would be delivered to people by Congress leaders along with a soon-to-be released "charge sheet".
“In his letter, Rahul said through the 'Haath se Haath Jodo Abhiyan', the Congress party is extending its hand to you — lend a hand, come together to put the country back on the path of building a Swarnim Bharat, he says.
"I write to you after completing the historic, 3,500 km long Bharat Jodo Yatra where millions of Indians walked with us from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. It was the most enriching journey of my life, and I am overwhelmed by the love and affection that every single Indian has showered on us," he stated.
“There is a palpable economic crisis brewing — joblessness among the youth, unbearable price rise, severe farm distress, and a complete corporate capture of the country's wealth, he mentions.
"Today, even our plurality is under threat. Divisive forces are attempting to turn our diversity against us — different religions, communities, regions are being pitted against each other.
These forces, which are only a handful in number, know that only when people feel insecure and scared can they sow the seeds of hatred for the 'other'.
But after this Yatra, I am convinced that this vicious agenda has its limits, and it cannot go on any longer," Rahul said promising to fight eradicate these evils — from the streets to the Parliament, every single day. "I am determined to create economic prosperity for everyone - right price for farmers' produce, jobs for our youth, fair distribution of the country's wealth, an enabling environment for MSMEs and entrepreneurs, cheaper diesel, a stronger rupee, and a gas cylinder for Rs. 500," he further stated. "I strongly believe that India will reject hatred,” he said. His message of 'Daro Mat (fear not)' is also part of the letter in which he also says that this Yatra has renewed my vigour to fight for everyone and it has been "my Tapasya".
Ramesh said it would be a challenge to reach every household as the Congress organisation is weak in some states but the party has resolved to undertake this outreach programme.
He also informed Bharat Jodo Yatra, which is on a rest day in Punjab, will enter Pathankot on January 19 and there a rally will be held. The yatra will enter Jammu on the evening of January 20. Then there will be a rest day, after which the walk will resume on January 22.