Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra marked its first day in Punjab on Tuesday. He reached Amritsar’s Golden Temple by helicopter at 12 noon and sought blessings before resuming Yatra in the state.
Before starting the yatra on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi first paid obeisance at the Gurdwara at Fatehgarh Sahib. He was seen wearing a red turban while addressing the people during Yatra. The security of Congress leader has been beefed up after receiving multiple threats from gangsters like Gurpatwant Singh Pannu.
While addressing the people of Punjab, he stated that hatred is being spread in the country. He added that RSS-BJP are busy fighting in the name of religion due to which the atmosphere of whole country is getting spoilt. Along with this, he held talks with farmers, laborers, children, etc.
During his speech, Rahul Gandhi stated that Bharat Jodo Yatra has covered 3,000 kms till now and will end in Kashmir. He added that farmers from Punjab walk more than them to earn their livelihood. He also raised fingers at the media and said that they keep on praising and showing PM Modi on their channel instead of highlighting real issues like unemployment, poverty, inflation, etc.
As per the schedule, Yatra will be resumed from Sirhind. Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda in the morning handed over Yatra flag to Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. On 11 January 2023, Bharat Jodo Yatra will take a break and at 3:30 pm it will start again from Khalsa School Ground in Mandi-Gobindgarh. As per schedule, January 12, 2023 the Yatra will commence from Kashmir Garden, Malhipur at 6 am and stop near Samrala Chowk at 12 noon. The 25-km yatra will be carried out without any stoppage. The Yatra will be on hold on 13th January 2023 due to Lohri. The next day, it will start from Ladowal toll, Ludhiana and after a short break in the afternoon, the journey will proceed from GC Resort Goraya at 3.30 pm.
On January 15, the yatra will proceed from Lovely Professional University at 6am and will proceed to BMC Chowk Jalandhar at 3:30 pm. Post this the yatra will start from Garaon Kala Bakra near Avtar Regency at 6 am on January 16 and will be resumed from Kharal Kalan village of Adampur at 3.30 pm. On January 17, it will start from Jhingar Khurd in Dasua and will proceed from Gonspur at 3.30 pm. On the seventh day, the yatra will start from Mukerian Bhangala and enter Himachal Pradesh. January 19, 2023 will be the last day for Bharat Jodo Yatra in Punjab. Rahul Gandhi will address a rally in Pathankot at 12 noon.