In a surprising turn of events, the Manipur government has declined to grant ‘ground permission’ for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ambitious ‘Bharat Nyay Yatra,’ originally scheduled to commence on January 14 from Hatta Kangjeibung in Imphal East district.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president, K Meghachandra, expressed disappointment after meeting Chief Minister N Biren Singh, where the Chief Minister cited the precarious law and order situation in the state as the reason for the denial of permission. Despite the setback, Meghachandra announced a swift change of plans, relocating the yatra to a private venue in Khongjom, Thoubal district.
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, addressing the media, criticized the government’s decision, stating, “When we are starting a yatra from East to West, how can we avoid Manipur? Then what message are we giving to the people of the country?” The party remains committed to starting the yatra from Manipur, albeit from a different location, with specific details to be revealed later.
Simultaneously, the Home Department of Manipur has written to the Imphal East district magistrate, urging permission for the flagging off of the yatra with a limited number of participants. The department emphasized the importance of providing participant names in advance and implementing necessary precautions.
Chief Minister Singh, addressing the media on Tuesday, highlighted the critical law and order situation in Manipur. While stating that the permission for Rahul Gandhi’s rally is under “active consideration,” he assured that a concrete decision would be made after receiving reports from various security agencies.
The ‘Bharat Nyay Yatra’ is an extensive journey covering 6,713 km by bus and on foot, spanning 110 districts, 100 Lok Sabha seats, and 337 assembly segments in 66 days. The yatra is set to culminate in Mumbai on March 20, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge scheduled to flag off the program alongside chief ministers of Congress-ruled states and other top party leaders.
