Will Rahul Gandhi gain from Bharat Jodo Yatra?

Ever since, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi started his “Bharat Jodo Yatra”, he went missing from the media supporting the ruling party. They have not been in a condition to cover the event, as it would not help the ruling party as the good work being done by Rahul Gandhi would get noticed. Hence, the media preferred to stay away from the Yatra. The Bharat Jodo Yatra is not a small step, rather the aim of this Yatra is to unite India; to come together and strengthen the nation. The Yatra began on 7th September from Kanyakumari and will pass through 12 states, culminating in Jammu and Kashmir – spanning a distance of nearly 3,500 Km over the course of about 150 days.

However, now the media has got active against Rahul Gandhi after good 69 days of Yatra. Yes, it has found a something to sensationalize and condemn Congress party and Rahul Gandhi. The opportunity comes as Leaders from the Gujjar community in Rajasthan have threatened to not let the Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi enter the state if demands made by the community related to recruitment of Most Backward Class (MBC) youth and other issues are not met. The Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan had 2019 passed the Rajasthan Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions in the State and of Appointments and Posts in Services under the State) (Amendment) Bill, 2019, extending five per cent reservation to five communities under the MBC category- Banjara/Baldiya/Labana, Gadiya Lohar/Gadoliya, Gujar/Gurjar, Raika/Rebari/Debasi, Gadariya/ Gadri/Gayari.

The media in India now is hyperactive in criticizing ““Bharat Jodo Yatra”.  However, to arrive at the right conclusion, one has to objectively analyze the journey and for that it is necessary to turn the pages of the past. If we look at the history of padyatras in India, then we will be able to better understand their significance and relevance. One of the most prominent walks across India in present world known as Dandi March and undertaken by Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom movement is written in golden letters of history. Late Member of Parliament, Sunil Dutt (father of bollywood star Sanjay Dutt) in the 80s  to appeal for peace in Punjab had roused the people towards peace and harmony and helped in restoring normalcy. The experiences of these yatras show that almost all of them have achieved success in their objectives, be it religious, social or political.

If we look at this Bharat Jodo Yatra objectively, we will find that somewhere this Yatra will not only bring Rahul Gandhi in contact with different social, linguistic and regional sections of India, but he will be able to study their ways closely, as a result of which Rahul Gandhi will come face to face with the problems of livelihood and everyday struggle of these classes.

This will also increase their sensitive attitude. All this information will strengthen his confidence, which is sometimes lacking in his formal address, and will give totality to it. There is also one most important aspect, which people are underestimating – that this yatra will establish an emotional bond of people with Rahul Gandhi, which is essential for any successful politician.

The huge crowd that is walking with him for miles shows the success of this journey. How much political benefit it will get in the elections, it remains to be seen in the future, but it is certain that the opposition is aware of this yatra and is keeping an eye on various aspects.

The physical prowess of Rahul Gandhi shown by this journey has also surprised and impressed the people and given a strong reply to the critics who were not tired of saying that Rahul Gandhi could not take the journey to the destination with concentration for so many days. Will find However, the long-term pleasant outcome of this visit will depend on the stability of Rahul Gandhi’s political activism.

Rahul Gandhi’s ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra will establish the Congress MP as a serious politician and provide him heft to take on his formidable opponent BJP.