Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Dec 27: Congress today said that top leaders from Jammu and Kashmir including three former Chief Ministers will join the Rahul Gandhi led “Bharat Jodo Yatra” when it reaches the Union Territory in January next year.
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Member of Parliament and Secretary General Indian National Congress, KC Venugopal today told a press conference here that all walks of leaders including Dr Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and others have expressed their will to participate in Bharat Jodo Yatra, being carried out by Congress to unite the countrymen against the divisive politics of BJP and Sangh Parivar.
“It is the happiest moment for us that Dr Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami among others are joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir,” Venugopal said.
He said like-minded people and parties across India have expressed their will to join the BJY. “The impact of yatra is increasing with the passing of each day which vindicates that people of the country want secular ethics intact in the country”.
“This yatra is national Padyatra, our leader Rahul Gandhi has already announced that come what may, he will go entire route of the country including J&K,” he said, adding that today a meeting was held in Srinagar to review the preparations for the yatra while the party leaders also met the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha yesterday. “It was a good meeting with LG Manoj Sinha. He offered all sort of cooperation for this yatra,” he said.
The Congress leader said the yatra is aimed to send a clear and loud message to divisive forces like BJP and Sangh Parivar who caused a massive damage to country and it’s constitution.
Venugopal said: “It is going to be a great program throughout J&K. The people of J&K are eagerly waiting for this Yatra. They will receive this Yatra with open hearts like other States. Indian National Congress (INC) has separate relations with J&K. Congress’ history is very much related to Kashmir’s history. Therefore, the entire country is looking towards J&K Bharat Jodo Yatra”.
“This Yatra is a national Yatra. This Yatra started from September 7 onwards from Kanyakumari. There our leader announced that we would take the entire route of this Yatra to Kashmir. In Kashmir, we will hoist the national tricolour,” he added.
He said the yatra in J&K will tentatively take place on 22 – 23 January next year.
The Congress leader accused the Government of trying to instil fear in the minds of people about new variant of COVID virus which, however, seems a “drama” to stop Rahul Gandhi from furthering the Yatra.
“We are also concerned about the health of people. The entire drama (COVID protocol) has been started to stop the Yatra. Flights are coming from China and there is no problem. There is no national-level protocol in place as suggested by WHO. Then why only a letter to Rahul Gandhi and the Yatra,” he asked.
“In Gujarat big mela is happening in which lakhs of people are participating. The Prime Minister is going here and there and has meetings. There is no letter to the Prime Minister,” he added.
PDP president and former CM Mehbooba Mufti today said that she will be joining the Kashmir leg of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo yatra.
“Ive been formally invited to join @RahulGandhi ji for his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir today. Salute his indomitable courage & I believe it is my duty to stand with someone who has the courage to challenge fascist forces. Will be joining him in his march towards a better India,” Mehbooba tweeted.
Dr Farooq Abdullah has already said that he would join BJY of Congress when it enters Jammu and Kashmir.
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