On the lines of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, the Uttar Pradesh Congress on Wednesday launched ‘UP Jodo Yatra’ in Saharanpur district after party chief Ajay Rai and other leaders offered prayers at the temple of Maa Shakambari Devi.
On the first day, Rai was accompanied by former MP Zafar Ali Naqvi, Imran Masood, who hails from Saharanpur and recently returned to the party fold, Congress Legislature Party leader Aradhna Mishra, former CLP leader Pradeep Mathur and AICC secretaries, among others.
Before the launch of the yatra, Rai said, “This is an attempt to connect with the people, be it farmers, women, youth or traders, who are troubled by the lackadaisical attitude of the government. During our journey to Lucknow from western UP, we will raise the issues concerning farmers, the plight of youth and traders, and also how BJP safeguards those who indulge in crimes against women.”
Alleging that the BJP government has created distance between the people, Rai said the aim of the Congress’ ‘UP Jodo Yatra’ is to connect the people of the state.
After starting in Saharanpur, the yatra covered Behat before concluding for the day at Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Chowk under the Gangoh Nagar Palika.
Addressing a gathering in Gangoh, Rai said, “The BJP government has turned a deaf ear to the problems of farmers, and thus, will be uprooted in 2024.”
Rai also raised the issues of sugarcane farmers and said, “Sugarcane farmers are unable to get the price for their crops. Besides, BJP gives tickets to ‘balatkaris’, there are no opportunities for employment, and the prices of petrol and cooking gas are soaring high.”
“If we continue to get the support of the people, then we throw the BJP government in 2024,” Rai said. Rai said the yatra has drawn inspiration from Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo yatra’ and would end at Shaheed Smarak in Lucknow. Sources said the yatra is likely to end by January 12.
According to leaders, they have invited both Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi to participate in the yatra at some point.
On Thursday, the yatra will resume in Deoband and move towards Muzaffarnagar.
The Congress leader said over 300 party leaders will take part in this 18-day yatra.
Rai further said the local workers of the districts through which this yatra will pass will also join it.
“Street meetings will also be held at 161 places during this yatra. During this, the Congress workers will meet the common people and know about their problems. We will also put forward the views of the Congress Party before the public,” he said.
“Congress will reach out among the people and call upon them to join the yatra,” he added.
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