Congress Faces Setback as Manipur Government Denies Venue for Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra
Imphal, 10th January 2024: The Congress party expressed disappointment on Wednesday, stating that the Manipur government has rejected approval for the venue designated for the commencement of the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra’ on January 14. Keisham Meghachandra, the President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, condemned the state government’s decision as “unfortunate” and deemed it a “violation of people’s rights.” Despite attempts to seek clarification, no response has been received from the state government.
Meghachandra revealed that Chief Minister N Biren Singh rejected their request for the venue, Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal East district, where the rally is intended to begin. The denial of permission has raised concerns, with Meghachandra describing it as a “murder of democracy” and a breach of people’s rights, given that the chosen site is a public ground.
According to the Congress’ planned itinerary, former party president Rahul Gandhi is set to initiate the yatra from Imphal on January 14, concluding on March 20. The journey will predominantly involve bus travel, with Gandhi also undertaking padayatra at various locations. The yatra, covering 6,713 kilometers by bus and on foot, aims to traverse 110 districts, 100 Lok Sabha seats, and 337 assembly constituencies in 66 days, concluding in Mumbai.
Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress National President, is expected to inaugurate the yatra alongside chief ministers of party-ruled states and other top leaders. KC Venugopal, the Party’s Organization General Secretary, emphasized that Manipur was chosen to launch the yatra with the intent to “heal the wounds” of people affected by caste violence.
Against the backdrop of ongoing caste violence in Manipur since May of the previous year, the Chief Minister, in a statement, noted that permission for the yatra is under “active consideration.” More than 180 people have lost their lives in the violence that erupted after a ‘tribal solidarity march’ in May, fueled by protests against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. A decision on the permission is anticipated following reports from security agencies.
