Bharat Jodo Yatra Diary

The aim of this ‘Yatra’ is to unite India; to come together and strengthen our nation. The ‘Yatra’ began on September 7, 2022, from Kanyakumari and will pass through 12 states, culminating in Jammu and Kashmir – spanning a distance of nearly 3,500 Km over the course of about 150 days.

The ‘Yatra’ has already received an overwhelming response; lakhs of people accompanied by Congress leaders, have joined the movement to raise their voice against the economic, social and political issues that are dividing our nation today. The yatra seeks to address rampant unemployment & inflation, the politics of hate and division and the over-centralisation of our political system. People from all walks of life are coming together to be a part of this historic movement. It is a celebration of India’s unity, her cultural diversity and the incredible fortitude of her people. This is an open invitation to all Indians to come and walk with us.

3570 Kms 12 States 150 Days

Inaugration Bharat Jodo Yatra: September 7, 2022 Shri Rahul Gandhi at prayer gathering in memory of Former PM Rajiv Gandhi in Sriperumbudur. Shri Rahul Gandhi at Vivekananda Memorial in Kanyakumari. Shri Rahul Gandhi launches the Bharat Jodo Yatra | Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu DAY 1: September 8, 2022 Bharat Jodo Yatra | Agasteeswaram to Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. Shri Rahul Gandhi along with other padyatris resume the #BharatJodoYatra DAY 2: September 9, 2022 Shri Rahul Gandhi resumes Padyatra from Scott Christian College, Nagercoil to Azhagiyamandapam. Shri Rahul Gandhi’s interaction with the Media of the #BharatJodoYatra. #BharatJodoYatra resumes for the second leg of Scott Christian College, Nagercoil to Azhagiyamandapam.

DAY 3: September 10, 2022 Flag Hoisting: 7 am flag hoisting at Mulagumoodu town panchayat in Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, followed by the performance of primary school children at the St. Mary’s International School.

Marchers travelled through Swamimardayam. Midday halt at the Nesamony Memorial Christian College in Marthandam, in the Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. Marchers met with the first lady bus driver in Asia, Vasanthakumari, 63. Marchers had brief interaction with sanitation workers in Marthandam. Marchers also interacted with local unemployed youth who accompanied him part of the way. Marchers met with MGNREGA workers, fisherwomen and specially-abled rights activists. ‘Yatra’ completed at the Samuel LMS Higher-secondary school, Cheruvarakonam, Parassala, Trivandrum. Day 4: September 11, 2022 Day 4 of its Bharat Jodo Yatra with a 6:30 am flag hoisting and rendition of Vande Mataram and the National Anthem at Samuel LMS Higher-secondary school, Cheruvarakonam, Parassala, Trivandrum.

Company Secretary Shri Rajeevan who had come from Chennai himself to participate in the ‘Yatra’. The yatris walked around 14 kilometres in the first half of the day, passing through Idchikkaplamoodu, Amaravilla before arriving for the daily midday halt at the Madhavi Mandir complex in Neyattinkara.

Shri Rahul Gandhi walked with environmentalist Sridhar Radhakrishnan to discuss a host of issues including climate change. Suvarna, 53 from Kerala, was seen walking with bloodied feet! When asked she replied “Congress is in my blood and this ‘Yatra’ is a once in a lifetime chance to make a big impact”. Said Shri Digvijay Singh, Member of Parliament, and Chairman of the ‘Bharat Jodo Committee’, “We are moving out of Tamil speaking Tamil Nadu into Malayalam speaking Kerala. This shows the diversity of this country, and unity in diversity is our strength”.

‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ completed the journey, arriving in the evening at Kazhakkuttom, Thiruvantharapuram, Kerala.

Day 5: September 12, 2022

6 am flag hoisting at St. Mary’s School, Pattom Shri Rahul Gandhi met with family of fisherman’s who lost their lives out at sea. He also met with a group of young football players.

The marchers moved in a festive atmosphere with drums playing, with the excited crowds cheering them on as they were showered with flowers at various points in the walk. Shri Rahul Gandhi walked with athlete and Arjuna Awardee Padmini Thomas. And Archbishop Thomas J Netto, Father Ujin Periera and Pushpam Simon and discussed the adverse living, working and economic conditions of fishermen.

Shri Rahul Gandhi also visited and prayed at the Chattambi Swami Temple, Kannammoola, Thiruvananthapuram.

“We don’t want to stoop to the levels of BJP leaders. They are afraid, said Jairam Ramesh on the ridiculous charges being made by the BJP on the ‘Yatra’.

The yatra had completed an initial milestone of 100 kilometres,

Day 6: September 13, 2022 The Indian National Congress commenced Day 6 of its ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ from Alummoodu Market, Kaniyapuram, Kerala. The march was preceded by the daily flag hoisting ceremony at the camp grounds of the Al Saj convention centre.

While it was raining for portions of the walk, the enthusiasm of people for this yatra continues to amaze and inspire.

27-year old Parvati Sahu from Chhattisgarh. Parvati decided just last Sunday that she should join the #BharatJodoYatra carrying her own luggage. When we offered to help, she said, “Ladki Hoon Lad Sakti Hoon”.

A number of people chanted slogans in support of Shri Rahul Gandhi, but he requested them to stop, and instead raise slogans about Bharat and the Bharat Jodo yatra.

The marchers arrived for their midday break at the SS Pooja Convention centre at Mamom, Attingal

Day 7: September 14, 2022

Yatra started from Navaikulam, Kerala presided by flag hoisting.

Shri Rahul Gandhi met with Swamis of Sivagiri Mutt. Sivagiri Mutt is the shrine of Shree Narayan Guru, a social reformer who led a social movement against the inequalities of caste system. Shri Rahul Gandhi met with Auto Rickshaw drivers who were struggling because of perilous economic situation.

The marchers arrived at Empire convention center, Chathannoor, Kollam for midday break.

Post the halt, the padyatra resumed from Thirumukku Jn, Chathannoor.

Yatra completed the journey, arriving in the evening at Pallimukku Junction. On this day, the yatra also completed the journey through Thiruvananthapuram district, entering and beginning its passage through Kollam district.

MP Shri Rahul Gandhi engaged and interacted with students from Kollam district. Lakshmanraj, 12thstandard, SN Trust Higher Secondary School performed an impromptu traditional dance for the audience!

At a corner meeting at Madannada, Shri Gandhi thanked everyone who had accompanied him on the ‘Yatra’ and praised the state of Kerala for its contributions to the nation. He stated that the BJP and the RSS were destroying the true strength of India- respect for the other person’s ideas.

After a day of rest on the 15th, the Bharat Jodo Yatra commenced with a flag raising ceremony at the camp site in Pallimukku, Kollam.

Day 8: September 15, 2022

Contemplation and rest.

Day 9: September 16, 2022

The padyatris started their march from Polayathodu junction, Kollam.

Kollam residents turned out in large numbers to welcome and cheer on the marchers. Kollam is known for the Malayalam Calendar, Kollavarsham, that was created in the city.

Accompanying Congress MP Shri Rahul Gandhi were Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel, Shri VD Satheesan (CLP), Shri Rajendra Prasad (District Congress Committee President) and a number of state MPs and MLAs.

Along the route, Gandhi stopped at a tea shop to engage with the locals. He also met Swiggy workers who walked alongside part of the way. In another incident a group of school children inside buses on their way to school were chanting his name.

The marchers arrived for their midday break at Neendakara, Kollam. In the afternoon there are planned interactions with a number of groups including cashew workers, cashew entrepreneurs, trade union and leaders of RSP & Forward Block.

Met 60-year-old Amarjeet from Jharkhand who has independently been walking in the ‘Yatra’ since the first day. Along the way, we saw a beautifully caparisoned elephant, a raised pandal with dancing, drum playing artists and a group of youngsters engaged in a music and dance performance against unemployment, inflation & falling healthcare. But a 200-metre long flag being held by locals was the icing on the cake!

He also met up with trade union and leaders of RSP & Forward Block. Later in the day, he visited Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram in Vallikavu.

‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ today completed the journey, arriving in the evening at Karunagappally.

Day 10: September 17, 2022

‘Yatra’ Commencing at 6:30AM preceded by a 6 am flag raising ceremony at the Sreedhareeyam Convention Centre, Karunagappally.

Shri Rahul Gandhi led the march alongside Party General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, Kerala CLP VD Satheesan and other leaders.

The marchers arrived for their midday break at GDM Auditorium, Kayamkulam.

Day 11: September 18, 2022

The march began at 6:30 am from Taluk Head Quarters Hospital, Haripad

After traveling a distance of around 13 kilometres, the yatris took their midday break at the Sree Kuruttu Bhagavathi Temple in Ottappana. Yatris met Ashraf (48) a vegetable vendor in Thoattappally village. Ashraf said that he supports the #BharatJodoYatra since it is raising the issue of rising prices. He said that due to unchecked price increases, his sales have fallen; at the same time people’s incomes have also declined and reduced purchasing power. During the afternoon rest period, Congress leaders also met with farmers from Kuttanad, Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta. Post their midday break at Karuvatta, the Padyatra resumed from Purakkad to complete the day’s journey at Vandanam. Bharat Yatri Jhabar Sherawat from Rajasthan described his journey as “An incredible experience.” At an end of the day, corner meeting at Vandanam, Alappuzha, Shri Gandhi said that the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ was an attempt to bring India together, an India that has “been divided by the BJP and RSS along religious, caste and language lines” The padyatris will halt for the night at Carmel College of Engineering & Technology, Aravukadu, Punnapra.

Day 12: September 19, 2022

The day began at 6 am Shri Rahul Gandhi met with members of the fishing community at the picturesque Vadackal beach in Alappuzha. The padytris began their day’s journey at Carmel College of Engineering & Technology in Punapra and walked 13 kilometres to end the first phase of the march at Camelot Convention Centre, Cheriya Kalavoor.

Inspired by the idea of the Yatra, Dr. Yashodharaa Gynaecologist came all the way from Telangana to join ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’. The yatris completed the Punnapra to Chertala, the place of birth of a Congress Party icon: Shri A.K Antony, three times Chief Minister of Kerala. MPs Shri Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal participate in snake boat race.

Shri Gandhi met local residents who have been protesting for more than a year against sand mining in the region. Shri Gandhi interacted with Kerala tourism industry representatives who apprised him of how the sector was reeling under huge revenue declines and an apathetic government that was unable or unwilling to provide fiscal support.

In the late afternoon, the padyatra resumed at Kalavoor Junction. The padyatris halted for the night at St. Michael’s College, Cherthala.

Day 13: September 20, 2022

Walked from Cherthala to Kuthiathodu this morning, mostly on the treeless four-laned National Highway 66. Shri Rahul Gandhi visited the 1300-year-old Thuravoor Mahakshethram temple, regarded as the most revered religious sites in Kerala. Among the artists performing Chenda Melam (percussion using Chenda; a centuries old, highly popular art form in Kerala) was Padma Shri winner, Peruvanam Kuttan Marat. ‘A King and a Korean’ Boy Band were some unexpected highlights as the Bharat Jodo Yatris continued to press on with enthusiasm and energy. The yatris rested mid-afternoon in Kuthiathodu in history’s shadow. Kuthiathodu, a gram panchayat in the Alappuzha district, was visited by Mahatma Gandhi during one of his Padyatras. The gram panchayat even has a memorial commemorating Gandhiji. The march itself ended in Alappuzha district. The marchers themselves reached another landmark as they crossed over to Ernakulam district for their night stay at KUFOS, Kochi. Shri Rahul Gandhi met with multiple delegations. A delegation of coalition partners led by Maani Kappan, MLA, Pala Assembly constituency. Met with Kovil Mala Rajamannan (recognized by Kerala government as the ‘tribal king’) from Idukki. Corner meeting organized at Aroor Junction in the evening.

Day 14: September 21, 2022 Met Vinayak, 48, who runs a small electrical shop in Kochi who told “once supported demonetisation, but soon realised that it only concentrated money in the hands of a few corrupt people.” The day started with Congress MP Shri Rahul Gandhi paying floral tributes to iconic spiritual and social reform personality, Sree Narayana Guru. Sree Narayan Guru embodies the ideas of social justice, freedom and non-violence The journey was joined by environmental activist, politician and writer Shri C.R. Neelakandan. Earlier in the morning, the padyatris commenced their morning march from Madavana Junction, travelling 13 kilometres to arrive at Edappally covering urban landscape of Kochi city. Congress leader Shri Sachin Pilot also joined the yatra. The day also marked the yatra crossing over from Alappuzha to Ernakulam district. The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ attracted record crowds. So much so, that there was a jam-packed, 6 to 7 kilometres long line. The padyatra resumed in the afternoon from Kalamasherry municipal office, to where it ended 9.6 kilometres later at Paravoor junction, Aluva. Shri Rahul Gandhi met a few leaders from Kochi’s business, art and social communities. It was a free ranging discussion, covering subjects such as the misuse of democratic institutions by the Modi government. Rahul Ji met with young professionals who apprised the Congress leadership about their challenges; in turn they were informed about how the issues of youth, professionals and businesses are a key objective of this ‘Yatra’. Underlining the Yatra’s principles of inclusiveness, there was an interaction with Kochi’s transgender community, where the community spoke about their challenges and the way forward.

Day 15: September 22, 2022 Yatris commenced their daily march this morning, there was a conclusion to another voyage at UC College, Aluva. Congress workers led by Member of Parliament Shri Rahul Gandhi planted a sapling. Almost 100 years ago, Gandhiji planted a mango tree at the same place. It seems an apt symbol of India’s distances, diversity, history, and the Bharat Jodo Yatra’s vision of nurturing and healing the nation. The padyatris started their walk from the Parambayam Jum’a Masjid. In a freewheeling press conference at the Adlux International Convention Center, Angamaly, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi thanked Kerala for the incredible response the state and its people are giving to the #BharatJodoYatra. “Kerala has been an overwhelming success” he declared. When asked if he was confident that the yatra would replicate the success it is so far having, he stated that “It will not matter which state we go to, the effect of the yatra will be the same…because in every state the problems are the same. The people of India, particularly the youth, are feeling the strain.” After the midday rest at Angamaly, the padyatra resumed in the evening from Chirangara bus stop and ended around 8 kilometres later at the Chalakudy Municipal Town Hall Building. They were accompanied by Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot.

Day 17: September 24 ,2022 People such as Francis, who stood just under the flyover at Kodakara had been waiting for two hours. Congress leader Shri Kanhaiya Kumar and AICC Secretary Shri Vaibhav Walia (both Bharat Yatris) were present at a tree planting ceremony. They took their midday break after a 23 kilometre walk that commenced from Perambra Junction, ending at Amballur Junction. The yatris continued their evening journey from Ollur Junction to Thrissur. The Indian Independence Movement gained momentum after a committee of the Indian National Congress was formed in Thrissur district in 1919.

Day 18: September 25, 2022 The #BharatJodoYatra walked a ‘leisurely’ 10 kilometres through tree-lined, winding roads from its commencement in Thiroor to the midday break at St. Francis Xavier’s Forane Church in Wadakkanchery. Shri Rahul Gandhi walked with ASHA workers for a while. In the morning, he was joined by Congress leader Deepender Hooda. Today, we would also like to remember Aryadan Muhammed, Congress Party leader, and the former Minister for Electricity and Transport in Kerala, who passed away this morning. Speaking at a press conference, Shri Gandhi took the occasion to express his condolences. At Wadakkanchery, the streets seemed to explode in a frenzy of music and dance. Every age group, from Rishaan, 5, on up was represented. Every major religious grouping was there. At times it seemed the entire state had converged on this one small town, such were the scenes on the streets. “Just take a look at these crowds” mused activist and leader Yogendra Yadav, “You can’t get a rented crowd to create a festival like atmosphere, that goes much deeper”. Shri Rahul Gandhi met with a group of ex-servicemen. The veterans raised their concerns over the BJP’s controversial Agnipath recruitment scheme, and the issues connected to One Rank One Pension (OROP).

Day 19: September 26, 2022 The yatris began their morning session at Shoranur SMP, Junction. Shri Rahul Gandhi walked with triple jumper and Commonwealth silver medallist athlete Abdulla Aboobacker for part of the way. We came across Balagopal and family who were standing outside their house just to watch the ‘Yatra’. “It’s a great programme,” he said “To unite the nation”. This day, the yatris crossed over to the district of Palakkad, marked by some uphill climbs and known as the rice bowl of Kerala.
Their arrival at Pattambi was followed by a garlanding of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue. Gandhiji had addressed a large gathering here. The yatris walked 8 kilometres from Pattambi to Koppam through winding and sloped roads lined at places by paddy fields. Shri Rahul Gandhi and a delegation from tribal communities. The interaction started with a foot tapping song and dance performance dedicated to the #BharatJodoYatra by members of the Irula tribe.

Palakkad district has particular resonance for Congress marchers. In 1921, Indian National Congress held the first All-Kerala Conference here. In the same meeting, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee was created. Moreover, nearby is Sabari Ashram, famously known as the Sabarmati of Kerala, which Gandhiji visited in 1924, 1927 and 1934. Shri Rahul Gandhi gave a fiery speech.

“We will not accept an India” he said “where Ph.D students and graduates cannot get a job, where their families are drowning because of high prices. An India, where the biggest businessmen can get as much of their loans waived, but our farmers, labourers and small businessmen are called defaulters and put in jail.”

Day 20: September 27, 2022 Full 14 kilometres from where the yatris started at Pulamanthole junction Shri Digvijay Singh, was among one of the first to arrive at the MSTM Arts and Science college for the Yatris’ midday break. Shri Rahul Gandhi met author journalist and activist Shri Rejimon Kuttappan. The one that deserves first notice was the vigil by the yatris to highlight the worrying trend of increased atrocities against women; given recent shocking events, especially in BJP-ruled states. Jairam Ramesh stated that, “We are highlighting for the first time in the context of the Padyatra violence against women.” As a social transformational objective of the #BharatJodoYatra, this is definitely a priority.

Shri Rahul Gandhi had an interaction with members of the farming community. The afternoon protest in support of women’s rights were led by the women national and Kerala state cadre (‘yatris’) who are participating in the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’. Mahila Congress President Ms. Netta D’Souza stated that, “Every 16 minutes a woman is raped. This year on 15th August, Prime Minister Modi announced from the ramparts of the Red Fort that women would be respected and protected. But it’s the BJP leaders and MLAs who are themselves instigators of violence against women.”

Day 21: September 28, 2022 The Bharat yatris awakened to the soothing lyrics of ‘Vaisnav Jana To Tene Kahiye, Je Pida Parayi Jane Re’. Actor Ramesh Pisharody walked with Congress leader Shri Rahul Gandhi part of the way. Just short of Kakkathodu Bridge, we had entered Wayanad block and the Wayanad Lok Sabha, which is the parliamentary seat of Congress leader Shri Rahul Gandhi. There was a festive atmosphere, with cheering crowds and several musical and cultural performances to give Shri Gandhi a great welcome.

MS Batti a local who had come in a group of 15 to participate in the yatra. “We came here last night, and plan to walk the whole day” Batti said, “If the yatris can give five months of their lives for India, surely I can give one day”.

In the afternoon, Shri Gandhi has two engagements. One where he will have a few moments with the Kerala Pradesh Yatris, followed by a launch of the KPCC Congress Unit Committee app. “We expected a good response,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated, “But have received a fabulous response”.

“The Bharat Jodo Yatra is not just a political yatra, it’s an ideological yatra.”

Day 22: September 29, 2022

The padyatris crossed over from their brief morning rest at Vazhikaddavu, Kerala and moved across Gudalur, Tamil Nadu. Gudalur is a resting way station before the Karnataka phase of the yatra commences.

Yatris started their days’ journey from Marthoma College Junction, Chungathara. The yatris arrived at Vazhikaddavu with scarcely a pause. At Vazhikaddavu there was a felicitation ceremony organised by the Kerala PCC for the Bharat and State yatris, presided by Oommen Chandy. “Home is where you get love, and Kerala is home for me” tweeted Shri Gandhi, “I am forever indebted. Thank you.” Yatris start of their walk at 4:45pm from Government Arts and Science College, Gudalur, to the approximately 6:45 pm end at Gudalur Bus Stand. The yatris had finished their morning walk early, starting at around 6:30 am and arriving at Mainimooly around 8:30 am. Shri Rahul Gandhi turned up the heat in a corner meeting held at the end of the day’s yatra. Earlier in the day, Shri Gandhi had met with MSME entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu, and also with mid and small-size plantation owners, tea growers and other local producers from Nilgiris district. He spoke of the BJP’s effort to “impose one language and one culture on the entire nation”, underlining in contrast the Congress’ commitment to diversity.

Day 23: September 30, 2022

Hellooooooo Karnataka! Elephants and deers, we spotted. The yatra was received in Karnataka at Ooty-Calicut junction in front of Ambedkar Bhawan Gundlupet, Chamrajanagar. Yatra began with a thundering rally in Gundlupet. Every site on the rally ground was filled, music filled the air and the beats from various drumming circles added to the excitement. Entrance into Karnataka was also a time to recall history, 39th session of the Congress Party was held in the Belgaum District of Karnataka, India. It was the only session presided over by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

The Bharat Jodo padyatris started their walk from Bendagalli village gate, ending 9 kilometres later at the Begur bus stand at Gundlupet. Shri Rahul Gandhi, held an interaction with the Tribal Community Association of Chamarajanagar district. He also met with family members of those who died due to oxygen shortage during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the District Hospital. In the meeting with the tribal community Gandhi emphasised that we must learn from them how to respect nature.

Day 24: October 1, 2022

The morning yatra commenced from the Tondavadi Gate. It was a walk under a slight drizzle, through a rural, sparsely populated area, then road lines with fields on both sides. The yatris walked around 13 kilometres before arriving at their midday halt at Kalale Gate. “It was as if all of India was walking with us,” says Bharat Jodo Yatri Vijay Shastri from Jammu. The yatris commenced their evening walk from Kalale Gate to Thandavapura just about 11 kilometres. Shri Rahul Gandhi met with young artists and writers for an exchange of ideas, and to understand their opinions, ideas and aspirations in building a better, more progressive nation. The Yatris arrived in the evening at Thandavapura and proceeded from there to their overnight rest near MIT Tandavapura, Mysuru. Shri Gandhi told the massive audience gathered that the “Goal of the Bharat Jodo Yatra was to unite India. But it was also to raise the issues of unemployment and rising prices.”

Day 25: October 2, 2022

The 153rd birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a time for reflection, to remember and to create memories. The yatris started their day at the Khadi Gramodyog, Badanavalu village with a floral tribute to Gandhiji’s statue.

Shri Rahul Gandhi and other leaders also had an interaction with woman weavers from the area. The yatris were revisiting history – Badanavalu village has deep historical significance. There was a tree plantation event for the Bharat yatris. Post this,Shri Rahul Gandhi visited Badanavalu village and as part of shramdan, helped pave a local road with coloured tiles, and painted a wall of the village primary school.

Post the ceremonies, the yatris returned to Khadi Gramodyog for morning break.

The Bharat Jodo Yatris got off to an explosive start in the evening. The padyatra resumed from Sri Kaalibeeramma Temple, Kadakola Industrial Junction. Shri Rahul Gandhi stated the core objectives of the yatra, “Just as Gandhiji fought the British Raj we are today embarked on a battle with the very ideology that killed Gandhi”, he stated. Later in the day, he visited the Sri Srikanteshwara Swamy Temple in Nanjangud.

Shri Rahul Gandhi met Suzane and Aasma are a part of a group of around 12 non party affiliated individuals from Bangalore who are walking with the yatra. “We knew that there was one man willing to walk for the ideals of India,” they said, “And we thought, why not walk with him?”

It started to rain. Gandhi told a packed crowd at a corner meeting that the #BharatJodoYatra wouldn’t stop for anything.

Shri Sachin Rao, Bharat Jodo Yatri, said, “The walk today is dedicated to the memory of the Mahatma, who taught us to always keep walking, fearless and free”.

Day 26: October 3, 2022

The padyatris started their walk at 6:30 am, from R Gate, Hardinge Circle ending 12 kilometres away at Valley Inn, Agrahara, Srirangapatna. “It felt like many thousand people were there, and increasing” said Bharat Yatri Yogesh Meena.

In the last two days, Shri Gandhi has visited Suttur Mutt, Masjid-e-Azam and the St. Philomena’s Cathedral in Mysuru. At Suttir Mutt, Gandhi met with Seer Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji. Yatra this day started relatively early, at 2pm when the padyatris commenced their journey from KSRTC Bus stand, Srirangapatna town, Mandya.

Shri Rahul Gandhi walked with a number of locals. These included Ayub Ahmed, the ‘Messiah of unclaimed bodies’ in Mysuru, who provided last rites to unclaimed bodies, Pa Mallesh, a senior socialist leader and a woman auto driver, Mangala.

The launch of a Bharat Jodo Yatra app, which can be used to track and follow the yatra.

Shri Gandhi said that the ‘Yatra’ was to combat rising divisiveness, unemployment and prices in India. “Karnataka has perhaps the most corrupt government in the country,” he said, calling it government that takes “40 percent as commission”.

2 pm the yatris arrived at their end point at Pandavapura before 5 pm. The yatra paused for two days on the 4th and the 5th of September, on account of the Dussehra break. Day 27 & 28: October 4-5, 2022: Rest on the occasion of Dussehra.

Day 29: October 6, 2022

The yatra resumed from Mandya.

Congress leaders walked with a number of disabled individuals ranging from a housewife to a tennis player. Another interesting interaction while walking was with local writers and activists Ugra Narasimha Gowda and Berti Oliver, who discussed the famed syncretic religious traditions of Melukote temple.

On the road we met with Group Captain K.K. John, an ex Air Force officer and Kargil war veteran. He’d come all the way from Bangalore to walk with the yatris. In conversation with Bharat Yatri Avani Bansal, he said that “One impact of the yatra was that it was connecting people”.

The BJP, in continuation of their underhanded methods, used the Enforcement Directorate to summon Karnataka Congress Chief Shri DK Shivakumar to Delhi to harass an individual and derail the popular ‘Yatra’.

Shri Rahul Gandhi had an intense interaction with local farmers and the families of farmers who committed suicide. 150 Farmers have died by suicide in this district alone in the past few years; need to protect farmers by preventing a complete corporate takeover of the agricultural sector.

Shri Gandhi, among other things, stated that the need to protect and empower farmers was the reason that the Congress had promised the NYAY scheme – where every poor family was guaranteed `72,000 per year as fixed income.

The presence of Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi in the morning had so inspired the thousands of Congress cadres, that “to watch them walk with so much energy and passion for more than 10 kilometres in the searing heat was in itself an amazing sight.” said Shri Randeep Surjewala.

Akkai Padmashali, the well-known transgender activist, and also recipient of the second highest civilian honour of Karnataka, who spoke of her desire to support and participate in the yatra. At the end of the day at Brahmha Devara Halli Village, Gandhi stated, “Just like anybody who divides a family is working against the family, anybody who divides a country, spreads hatred in the country, is also working against the country.”

Day 30: October 7, 2022

Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi was present once more this morning to walk alongside the yatris as they resumed their journey from K Malenahalli, Mandya.

The yatris arrived for their midday break at Anche Chittanahalli, Mandya.

A day ago, Gandhi had written a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister BS Bommai seeking assistance in treating a wounded elephant calf. Happily today the calf was being given treatment by forest department officials.

Kavitha Lankesh and Indira Lankesh, sister and mother to Indian hero Gauri Lankesh, walked alongside Congress leader Shri Rahul Gandhi. It was time to recall a brave and passionate soul; Gauri Lankesh who combated communal disharmony, fought for women’s rights and against caste based discrimination. It was also a damming indictment of the BJP – its divisive ideologies and intolerant governance.

Shri Gandhi had an interaction with a group of educationists in Nagamangala. There was an intense discussion on how infusion of RSS/BJP ideologies into the education system is poisoning future generations, even undermining the tolerant, secular fabric of India. The three Cs of the NEP (Nagpur Education Policy, not New Education Policy) stand exposed for what they are – Communalisation, Centralisation & Commercialisation.

Shri Gandhi spoke about the deleterious impact of BJP’s policies. “Demonetisation and GST are not policies” he said, “But weapons. Weapons that have been used to destroy small and medium businesses, farmers, and the working class.”

The evening session saw the padyatris walking 9 kilometres to end their journey at Belur town.

Report compiled by Shri Arun Garg. Source: www.bharatjodoyatra.in