In an unexpected turn of events, the second phase of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Jharkhand, scheduled to commence on February 14, has been abruptly cancelled. The decision follows Rahul Gandhi’s sudden departure to Delhi to actively participate in the ongoing farmers’ agitation in the national capital, as confirmed by party officials.
The move to join the farmers’ protest in Delhi comes in response to the persistent agitation by Punjab farmers, who are planning to march to the national capital to advocate for various demands, including the enactment of a law on minimum support prices for crops and loan waivers.
Reportedly, interactions originally scheduled with MGNREGA workers in Ranka, Garhwa district, will now be conducted by senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and other party members. Congress spokesperson Sonal Shanti confirmed the cancellation of all yatra programs in Jharkhand, expressing uncertainty about its resumption in the state.
Rajesh Thakur, Jharkhand Congress president, earlier stated that Gandhi had to depart for Delhi for a “special purpose,” referring to his participation in the farmers’ agitation. The first leg of Gandhi’s yatra in Jharkhand occurred in the first week of February, entering the state from West Bengal on February 2 and exiting to Odisha on February 6.
Originally slated to stay in Jharkhand for two days, Rahul Gandhi’s redirection signifies the political motives behind the farmers’ protest. The ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,’ launched in Manipur on January 14, aims to cover 6713 kilometres in 67 days, traversing 110 districts across 15 states, and concluding in Mumbai on March 20.
On February 13, farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and other states embarked on a march towards Delhi, seeking the fulfillment of their demands from the Government of India. Approximately 200 farmer unions are actively participating in the protests.
Efforts by police and rapid action forces to impede their entry into the national capital were met with visual evidence confirming the infiltration of the 2024 farmer protests by pro-Khalistani elements.
Apart from advocating for a law on MSP, the protesting farmers have been vocal about their demands, including India’s withdrawal from the World Trade Organisation (WTO), cessation of trade agreements with other nations, and the provision of a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 to farmers who reach the age of 60, among other requests. Rahul Gandhi’s decision to join these protestors further amplifies the political resonance of the ongoing farmer agitation.
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