IMPHAL: The Indian National Congress is caught in a standoff with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Manipur as it awaits clearance to inaugurate leader Rahul Gandhi’s “Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra” from the historic Hapta Kangjeibung ground in Imphal East district on January 14.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary, K C Venugopal (Organisation), expressed on January 8 that the party is eagerly waiting for permission and urged the government not to “politicise the yatra.”
Venugopal clarified that the Yatra is not a poll campaign or political event but aims to address the issues facing Manipur and initiate a healing process for the state.
The Congress leader revealed that the party applied for permission on January 2 but has yet to receive approval.
In a plea to avoid political interference, Venugopal urged, “Don’t make politics by denying the permission of the ground,” without directly referring to the ruling BJP government.
Earlier in the day, a Congress delegation, including Manipur State Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, met with Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi to seek permission for the launch meeting at Hapta Kangjeibung ground.
The Chief Secretary assured them that a decision on permission would be communicated soon.
The yatra plans to traverse Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, covering a total distance of 6,500 km across 15 states before reaching Mumbai.
The strategic launch date is set for January 14, culminating in Mumbai on March 20, just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Despite assurances of a peaceful rally on January 14, involving leaders from across the country, including chief ministers and MPs, the political tension remains high.
Meanwhile, Manipur continues to grapple with over eight months of ethnic violence between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo communities.
Through the yatra, the Congress seeks to draw attention to these issues and offer a platform for “healing” amidst the ongoing challenges in the state.
