Mokokchung (Nagaland), Jan 16: In the early hours, thousands of people from diverse backgrounds flooded the Kohima city square, painting an inspirational picture for the aspirations of Indian National Congress for the upcoming 2024 general elections in India. Children, the bearers of pleasant messages, adorned the streets, while civil society organizations conveyed their pleas and memorandums.
Footballers swayed, local sports enthusiasts voiced their aspirations for an international-grade stadium. These scenes unfolded on the third day of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra as he ventured into Nagaland, after leaving a message of hope in Manipur.
Before entering Nagaland, the Yatra traversed the strife-hit state of Manipur, where Rahul Gandhi stood in solidarity with the people whose lives have been ravaged by ethnic clashes.
As the Yatra entered Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, the warmth and affection of the people for Rahul Gandhi and the grand-old-party came to the forefront. The sheer number of early morning congregants in the heart of Kohima was awe-inspiring, serving as a morale boost for Congress workers gearing up to face the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The march continued, with crowds growing as Mr. Gandhi patiently entertained requests, from handshakes to selfies and autographs. An impromptu stop at Indira Gandhi Stadium exposed the "betrayal" and "broken promises" under PM Modi's regime. Through a loudspeaker, an appeal resonated, urging Mr. Gandhi to champion the cause of the Naga people, decrying the BJP's "policy of neglect."
Acknowledging the plea, Mr. Gandhi emphasized the broken trust of the Naga people by the Prime Minister, assuring them that every state, culture, and people hold immense significance in his party's agenda. He vowed to champion their cause.
In a moment of lightness, Mr. Gandhi engaged with young kids, displaying a genuine connection. The Yatra marched on, halting for lunch where Mr. Gandhi addressed a press conference. In contrast to PM Modi, who is yet to face the national media since taking office, Mr. Gandhi fielded questions with clarity, devoid of teleprompters. Surprising many, he seamlessly translated responses into Hindi on the go.
Addressing questions, he critiqued the Ram temple consecration event in Ayodhya, accusing the BJP and RSS of turning it into a "political function." He defended the Congress's decision to decline the invite, asserting that the event had taken a decidedly political turn.
On the opposition INDIA bloc, Mr. Gandhi affirmed its strength, expressing confidence in defeating the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He emphasized the mutual respect and affection among INDIA leaders, assuring that alliance issues, including seat sharing with the Trinamool Congress, are being resolved.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, an ideological event, entered Nagaland on Monday evening, presenting an alternative vision to the BJP-RSS combine. Mr. Gandhi spoke of injustice and divisive visions, positioning the yatra as a precursor to the upcoming electoral process.
As the Yatra resumed, thousands gathered to greet Mr. Gandhi. Having traversed Manipur and Nagaland, the Bharat Jodo Yatra is poised to enter Assam, covering 100 Lok Sabha constituencies in 15 states, spanning 6,713 km.
(Saket Suman is the author of The Psychology of a Patriot. Views expressed are strictly personal)
