On the third day of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (BJNY), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced the party's decision to skip the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, considering it a political event associated with the RSS-BJP. During a media interaction in Nagaland, Gandhi stated that the event is Modi's function and is infused with an election flavor, making it challenging for the Congress to participate.
Highlighting the mixing of politics and religion in the ceremony, Gandhi noted that top Hindu religious leaders have also raised questions about its political undertones, especially in the context of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Responding to queries about the INDIA bloc's ideology, Gandhi emphasized a commitment to a united India without hatred, ensuring due importance to the Dalit and other Backward Classes in governance.
Regarding seat-sharing talks among INDIA bloc partners, Gandhi expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved smoothly. He downplayed reported complications, stating that mutual respect exists among INDIA bloc partners, and the media has been exaggerating certain issues.
Gandhi asserted that the INDIA bloc is gearing up to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, stating, "INDIA grouping will fight the elections against the BJP appropriately and win the polls."
Turning to the long-pending Naga political issue, Gandhi mentioned commitments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi nine years ago that remain unfulfilled. If the INDIA bloc comes to power, Gandhi pledged efforts to resolve the Naga political issue through talks and mutual understanding.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, a 66-day journey that began in Manipur, will conclude in Mumbai on March 20 or 21. The yatra entered Nagaland after covering tribal-dominated Kangpokpi and Senapati districts in Manipur. Rahul Gandhi received a warm reception from Congress supporters in Nagaland's Khuzama village, with the yatra set to cover 257 km in five districts over two days.
(With Agency Inputs)
