Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' has begun in Bihar, entering through Kishanganj, marking the Congress leader's first visit to the state since the 2020 assembly poll campaign. Pics/PTI
Updated On: 2024-01-29 12:24 PM IST
Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande
The Yatra follows a notable political shift, with former ally Nitish Kumar, Bihar's chief minister, returning to the BJP-led NDA alliance, leaving the Congress without a key partner.
Kishanganj, a district with a significant Muslim population in the Seemanchal region, holds strategic importance as a Congress stronghold.
State Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh and other senior leaders warmly welcomed Rahul Gandhi in Bihar.
Gandhi is set to address a public meeting in Kishanganj, followed by a substantial rally in Purnea and another one in Katihar, according to Congress legislature party leader Shakil Ahmed Khan.
The Yatra's schedule includes a departure for West Bengal on Thursday through Araria, with a return to Bihar later via Jharkhand, as revealed by Bihar Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh.
Alliance partners like RJD president Lalu Prasad and CPI(ML)-L general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya have been invited to the upcoming rally at Purnea.
Notably, even Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) president, who recently changed alliances, received an invitation to the rally, which the Congress claims has been accepted by the veteran leader.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra had resumed from West Bengal's North Dinajpur on Monday, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh providing details about its progress.
Jairam Ramesh expressed surprise at the enthusiastic response witnessed during the Yatra in Jalpaiguri and Siliguri, and highlighted the unexpected turnout of women, young, elderly, and children along the route.