Itanagar: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the “BJP is fostering divisions in the country along the lines of caste, creed and religion.“
During his ongoing ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,’ which entered Arunachal Pradesh through Gumto in Papum Pare district on Saturday, Gandhi underscored his mission to unite people.
While interacting with residents in Doimukh, Gandhi accused the BJP of fueling conflicts by exploiting religion and language as divisive tools.
He criticized the saffron party for prioritizing the interests of a select group of businessmen over addressing the concerns of the suffering populace. In contrast, he highlighted the Congress’s commitment to uniting people and improving their well-being.
Leading the 6,713-km-long ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,’ initiated on January 14 from Manipur and concluding in Mumbai on March 20, the Congress leader aims to shed light on the challenges faced by people in the northeast region.
Gandhi emphasized the Congress’s dedication to addressing the issues of the underprivileged, youth, women, and weaker sections of society.
Questioning the BJP on the widespread youth unemployment, Gandhi asserted that the BJP government lacks responsiveness to the grievances of the people, with the media failing to adequately highlight their concerns.
Later addressing a public meeting in the evening at the Mallo Tarin government higher secondary school ground here, Gandhi blamed the BJP-RSS for creating a “civil war”-like situation in Manipur.
He declared the Congress’s ideological battle against the BJP-RSS, accusing them of engaging in divisive politics that sow hatred among religions, languages, and states, ultimately depleting the country’s resources.
Gandhi claimed that the ruling BJP in Manipur exacerbated ethnic violence, resulting in over 180 casualties since May of the previous year. He stated that the primary objective of the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ is to “establish stores of love in the marketplace of hatred.”
Highlighting the challenges of the Northeast, Gandhi said he initiated the yatra from the region, citing unprecedented price hikes and unemployment.
Earlier, the flag handover ceremony at the Gumto check gate involved Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Nabam Tuki and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhupen Borah, symbolizing unity between the states.
Gandhi is scheduled to depart from the state capital on Sunday morning through Hollongi.
The BJP had staunchly launched its opposition to Gandhi’s visit to the state capital.
Accusing the Congress of engaging in divisive politics, state BJP Spokesperson, Dominik Tadar on Friday, labeled Gandhi’s Bharat Nyay Yatra as “Anyay Yatra,” claiming that its purpose is to protect his family legacy. (With inputs from PTI)
Also read: Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: Cong, BJP clash in Arunachal over development claims
