By Pradeep Kapoor
LUCKNOW: The tremendous response to Bharat Jodo Yatra of Rahul Gandhi in Western UP in particular and rest of country in general has boosted the morale of Congress leaders and workers in Uttar Pradesh. The participation of minorities, Dalits, farmers and other sections of the society in Bharat Jodo Yatra in Western UP has demonstrated upswing in the popular support for Congress.
The active participation of prominent Dalit leader and President of Bhim Party Chandrashekhar Ravan, RLD leaders, Bhartiya Kisan Union has made it clear that it would be very difficult for BJP in next general election of Lok Sabha in 2024. Congress leaders and workers from all over the state who attended the Bharat Jodo Yatra are charged with tremendous enthusiasm. Almost 100 workers from each district of UP attended the Yatra.
As a follow up programme to make use of this enthusiasm in Congress workers UP Congress Committee has announced Hath Se Hath Jodo Yatra all over the state from Republic Day. Senior Congress leader disclosed that Hath Jodo Yatra would prepare base for second phase of Bharat Jodo Yatra by Rahul Gandhi who promised to cover more constituencies in the state.
Congress leaders are aware that minorities and dalits were looking towards Congress provided the leadership is able to convince them that party is working hard to revive its organisational network and increase its base in majority community. It would be worth mentioning here Congress ruled in UP till 1989 with the support of core voters consisting of Brahmins, Muslims and Dalits.
Congress leadership is aware of the difficulties party may face in future as Samajwadi Party gets the maximum support from Muslims. Similarly BSP leader and former CM, Mayawati is also playing aggressive Muslim card to increase support base of the party. However as of now BSP is seen as B team of BJP. That is why on her birthday on January 15 Mayawati announced that her party would not enter into alliance with any party and launched attack on Congress and Samajwadi Party.
There is also realisation in Samajwadi Party as well as in Congress on the possible understanding during Lok Sabha poll that is why Akhilesh Yadav sent his greetings for Bharat Jodo Yatra of Rahul Gandhi. (IPA Service)
