In a bid to counter the BJP’s aggressive campaign, led by its top leadership, the Congress is set to intensify its efforts with senior leader Rahul Gandhi spearheading the “Haryana Vijay Sankalp Yatra,” scheduled from September 30 to October 3.
The initiative aims to solidify the party’s connection with voters, especially in key areas like GT Road and Ahirwal, once perceived as bastions of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This campaign phase marks a pivotal moment for the Congress party, which has been struggling to match the BJP’s aggressive outreach, including numerous rallies by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union ministers and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states. While Rahul has already addressed two rallies in the state, the yatra intends to establish a more personal connection with constituents, stepping away from the traditional large rallies that often dominate election campaigns.
As per the party officials Rahul to start the Yatra from with a public address at Naraingarh constituency of Ambala district and later he will cover other constituencies Sadhaura, Mullana, Shahbad, Ladwa and it will conclude with a public meeting at Thanesar of Kurukshetra. The party insiders say besides local candidates senior leaders from the party Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala. The yatra is expected to cover other constituencies in the following days before the campaign ends in Haryana on October 3. The schedule for the subsequent days is yet to be finalized.
The Yatra is a continuation of Rahul’s earlier successful two rounds of Bharat Jodo Yatra, which received a warm response nationwide during the Lok Sabha elections.
In Haryana, the stakes are particularly high. The party is working to counteract internal dissent, highlighted by the recent expulsion of 13 leaders for anti-party activities following their decisions to run as independents.
Although senior Congress leaders are tight-lipped about the specific route, insiders reveal that the yatra will strategically navigate various districts, avoiding locations where Rahul has previously campaigned. The focus is on districts where Congress believes it can reclaim lost ground and enhance its voter base. This is the second visit of Rahul in the past one week as on Thursday he addressed poll rallies at Assandh in Karnal and Barwala in Hisar.
“By rallying senior leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi, the Yatra aims to present a united front and reinforce the party’s resolve ahead of the crucial elections”, said a party leader.
In addition to the yatra, Priyanka Gandhi is expected to join her brother, adding her voice to the campaign with rallies scheduled for September 30 and October 2. Party officials have emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort, asserting that it aims to dispel notions of internal division and galvanise support for Congress. The party’s recent rallies, especially the one held in Assandh, showcased a united leadership, with senior figures like former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda standing alongside Rahul, signaling a robust collective effort to mend any perceived fractures within the party.
With polling just days away, Congress is banking on Rahul Gandhi’s yatra to be a potential game-changer, as the party seeks to resonate with voters who may feel disconnected from the traditional rally format. The upcoming days will be crucial as the Congress aims to reclaim its footing in a state that has long been a fierce battleground. The results, to be announced on October 8, could very well determine the future political landscape in Haryana.