As former Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ completes 1000 kilometres, the morale of the workers and leaders of the grand old party is visibly high. Obviously, the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ has rekindled the party’s hopes for the much-needed political revival.
The big crowd joining the ‘yatra’ is also giving the BJP anxious moments as is reflected in statements from some leaders of the saffron brigade. If Congress somehow wins in either Gujarat or Himachal Pradesh assembly polls, then the outcome will be attributed to the ‘charisma’ of the yatra. If the party gets power only in Himachal Pradesh, and finishes second in Gujarat, then this outcome will also be a big achievement for the grand old party.
As of now, the party’s position is not satisfactory in both poll-bound states. AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi has started leading the party activities from the front in Himachal. She addressed a rally on Friday as well. Priyanka has her personal residence in Himachal. So, the Congress is projecting her as ‘Himachal ki beti’(daughter of Himachal). Priyanka is keen to ensure Congress’ win in Himachal Pradesh more because she has not yet any electoral victory to her credit.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has tried to silence his critics through the on going ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’. He is meeting people of all generations and from all walks of life who he comes across during the yatra. They are sharing with him their problems and suggestions. The yatra which commenced on 7 September from Kanyakumari will last for five months and will conclude in Kashmir, passing through 372 Lok Sabha constituencies of 12 states. Rahul has completed over one thousand kilometres in a bit over one month.
The yatra in southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka has been described as successful. Karnataka will go to polls in May next year. The yatra in this southern state drew massive crowds. Rahul Gandhi was seen doing a balancing act between Congress’ leaders D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, who are strong contenders for CM post in Karnataka. If the two leaders work in proper coordination, the Congress cangive BJP a tough fight during polls in Karnataka.
AICC media cell chairman Pawan Khera says that there is a spontaneous overflow of crowd in the yatra, with a large number of old people and youngsters coming out to join the Bharat Jodo Yatra. It suggests that the people are fed up with unemployment, price rise, farmers’ problems, etc., Khera added, “Rahul is the only hope for them.”
The yatra may have given the Congress some reason to be happy with. But the question remains whether the party leaders and organisation will be able to woo the trust of the common man. Rahul’s mission will succeed only if every single leader fulfils his or her responsibility properly.
During a rally against price rise at Ramlila Maidan, Rahul had asked the leaders to have patience. But they did not follow his advice. If they had done so, the Rajasthan political crisis would not have happened. Now the leadership is trying to revive the party. Through his yatra, Rahul has sought to give response to those, particularly the BJP, who are not taking him seriously. Now his yatra is being given importance. He has proved that he is not a part time politician. Rahul appears to be getting serious gradually.
His speech and statements during the yatra make headlines and trigger debate across the political spectrum. He is speaking in a calculated manner so as not to give his opponents any chance to criticise him. The only worry is that if Congress fails to perform satisfactorily in upcoming polls, the adversaries may again raise questions over leadership. From December onwards, there will be several electoral tests for the Congress till the final battle of 2024.
