GUWAHATI: The Congress has been denied permission by the Assam government to conduct the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra through Guwahati. The Guwahati Police Commissioner, Diganta Barah, stated that the Congress’s application is currently under consideration.
Jairam Ramesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary, expressed his disappointment in a statement, accusing the Assam Chief Minister of denying permission for the yatra to enter Guwahati on January 23rd. Ramesh also highlighted that the CM has refused permission for Rahul Gandhi to interact with the media at the Guwahati Press Club. Ramesh believes that the CM’s actions indicate nervousness and apprehension due to the overwhelming response the yatra has received in Assam.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam CM, had previously made it clear that the yatra would not be allowed to pass through Guwahati. Instead, the Congress has been instructed to take the yatra through the Khanapara-Jayanagar-Basistha-Gorchuk-Lohkra route, bypassing the city using National Highway 27 East-West. The Nyay Yatra, which commenced in Manipur and will conclude in Mumbai, entered Assam on Thursday through Sivasagar district from Nagaland. After the first leg extending over three days, it continued to Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday afternoon. The yatra will re-enter Assam on Sunday and traverse the state until January 25, covering a distance of 833 km across 17 districts.
The Congress is disappointed by the denial of permission and the forced change in the yatra route. The party had hoped to engage with the people of Guwahati and the media at the Guwahati Press Club. However, they remain determined to proceed with their mission of connecting and addressing the concerns of the people throughout their journey.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra aims to raise awareness about the Congress party’s agenda and promote social justice across India. Despite the obstacles faced in Guwahati, the yatra will continue its journey, interacting with people from various districts and highlighting their grievances.
The denial of permission for the yatra and the refusal to grant media access to Rahul Gandhi have drawn attention to the Assam Chief Minister’s alleged apprehension regarding the immense response the event has generated thus far. As the yatra progresses, it is anticipated that the Congress party will persist in advocating for justice and inclusivity for all citizens.
The Congress party’s determination and resilience in the face of these obstacles have ignited enthusiasm among its supporters, who see the yatra as an opportunity to voice their concerns and unite for a better future. As the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra continues on its path, it remains to be seen how it will shape the political landscape in Assam and beyond.
