As earlier said the aim of this Yatra is to unite India; to come together and strengthen our nation. The Yatra began on 7th September 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.

Day 31: October 8, 2022

Shri Rahul Gandhi met with writer and activist Du. Saraswati along with a diverse group of individuals representing manual scavengers, sweepers, garment workers, contract workers of ITI, sex workers’ union, transgenders’ union and graveyard workers.

Vijay, a marathon runner says, “By the time this yatra reaches Madhya Pradesh, people will realise that India is not just for Hindus or Muslims, India is for all Indians.” At Aralikere Paula Village, Turuvekere, Tumkur, Shri Gandhi spoke on the principles driving the yatra. “Spreading hatred and violence in the country is an anti-national act”, he said, “We will fight anybody who spreads hatred and violence.” “I believe in tapasya”, he said, “I wanted an element of suffering for myself. While I talk to the people on ground, I can share in their suffering.” The padyatra resumed from Aralikere Village in the later afternoon to conclude 10 kilometres away at Haridasanahalli Village, Turuvekera, Tumkur.

Day 32: October 9, 2022

DinbandhuBopai, Bharat Yatri, believes he could have walked “five or six kilometres more” than the approximately 13 kilometres walk from KB Cross, Tiptur to the midday break at Kanaka Bhavana, Chikkanayakanahalli. “The women and children in particular” saysBopai “Have been very receptive to us and displayed a lot of affection. There was a great feeling of togetherness.” Jairam Ramesh told the press that “While the response in Tamil Nadu was good and in Kerala phenomenal, in Karnataka it has far exceeded our expectation, which has made the BJP nervous and putting its dirty tricks department on overtime duty.”

Shri Rahul Gandhi briefly met with a woman who had been waiting for hours to “see Indira Gandhi’s grandson”, because she wanted to introduce to him her own grandson- who was being treated at a hospital also named after Indira Gandhi! Earlier today, Shri Gandhi was at a silk processing unit where he engaged with workers to better understand the production process. This evening the Yatris walked 10 kilometres from Chikkanayakanahalli to their evening break at Ankanabavi, Tumkur.

Day 33: October 10, 2022

This morning, the Padyatris walked 11 kilometres to reach their destination- and then took a bus.

The #BharatJodoYatra route today was through a social forestry area which had to be left undisturbed, and precluded large crowds walking through.

Yatris started under overcast skies and a slight drizzle which far from dampening their spirits, proved to be a spur. “So much better to walk in cool weather,” says Akshay Yadav, Yatri.

Shri Rahul Gandhi walked with a very diverse group including LGBTQ activists and representatives of nomadic tribes. Along the way, a group of artists displayed paintings inspired by the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’.

He also interacted with healthcare professionals and Dilip D’Souza, a journalist and writer. In the afternoon there is an interaction planned with marginalised communities from the area. Today we also salute Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, who passed away, in the day there was a five-minute shoksabha for deceased SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav near Hiriyur, Chitradurga district.

There was a persistent drizzle for most part of the evening as the yatris walked about 10 kilometres from Hiriyur to Sri VeeranjeneyaMaatarani&KedareshwaraSannidi. Bharat YatriGurjot Sandhu was much more prosaic than poetic – “There was a lot of rain” he says grimly, “And mud. Lots of mud.”

BJP government is trying everything it can to stop the yatra, to the point that the Election Commission has sent the Congress Party a notice; in reply the Congress leaders told the EC that no violation of the Representation of People’s Act was done during ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’.

Shri Rahul Gandhi interacted with representative of marginalised groups including Banjara, Dakkaliga and Sudugadu Siddha communities. A local Dalit family (that had been ostracised by upper caste individuals for touching a Hindu deity) walked alongside Shri Gandhi.

Day 34: October 11, 2022

Yatris commenced their journey from Harthikote this morning. Walking alongside Shri Gandhi, among others, were two social and human rights activists. Salil Shetty, previous Secretary General of Amnesty International. Also, Nikhil Dey of the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, an organisation known for its work in helping bring about the ‘Right to Information Act’.

Yatris were particularly struck by the number of people from tribal communities lining the way. “It was a very pleasant experience to interact with these groups, to listen to their unique music and songs as they welcomed us.”

It was a comparatively longer morning walk, 14 kilometres before the yatris arrived at their midday break at Sanikere. Shri Gandhi had an interaction with women workers (ASHA, MNREGA, Anganwadi, waste pickers and beedi rollers) and it was an extraordinary experience for all participants as the women spoke movingly about their working and living conditions.

The yatris took their evening break at Siddapura, Chitradurga.

Day 35: October 12, 2022

The three special families that accompanied the yatra today. They are kin to deceased individuals who donated their organs.33 Bharat Yatris also pledged to be eye donors and walked alongside. We honour them too in this diary. Special thanks to yatrisAvani Bansal and Dr.SushrutHedna for taking the initiative on behalf of the yatris.

Yatris commenced their journey from Challakere Town, took their midday break at Giriyammanahally Village and started their evening journey from Giriyammanahally. Shri Rahul Gandhi held what is probably the single largest interaction of this Yatra when he met an estimated 2000 unemployed youth from Karnataka, highlighting the long struggle for employment, and how skilled labour was leaving India because of lack of opportunities.

The yatris took their evening break after arriving at the Hirehalli Toll Plaza.

Day 36: October 13, 2022 Nanda Mhatre, Bharat Yatri, says, “It was a pleasant walk”, “Made even more interesting by the number of villages along the way and the people lined up to receive us.” At times the road conditions were less than perfect, but in the words of YatriShatrughan Sharma, “We continue to keep going, regardless of conditions.”

Shri Jairam Ramesh meets the “son of the local organiser Reshma Suresh, young Sudarshan Nayaka, a tribal boy with dreams of becoming an IAS officer. He’s a student of Navodaya Vidyalaya, a hugely empowering institution.”

Shri Rahul Gandhi commented against the attempts of the RSS/BJP to impose a single language as superior to others. It was a poignant moment when he said that “a language is not just what you speak. A language is history, culture, imagination. Nobody should be allowed to stop you from speaking your language.”

Day 37: October 14, 2022 AnulekhaBoosa, it was “one of the hottest days so far.” However, Boosa also says that the “large number of crowds lined along the highway made up for the heat.” The Bharat Yatris walked to their destination, Obalapuram Village, around 7 kilometres away. YatriDr. Shravan GovindraoRapanwad, described the Karnataka tradition of people dressing up in elaborate traditional costumes and greeting guests with folk music. “It’s always incredible to see and hear,” he said.

Bharat YatriDr.Kethuri Venkatesh spoke of meeting several local women, who stated their frustration with rising commodities prices and declining real incomes. The Bharat Jodo team met Ankita’s family in her village in Uttarakhand. We also march for Ankita, and for all victims.

Day 38: October 15, 2022 Yatris started their approximately 9 kilometre walk from Halakundhi Mutt, “It was fantastic,” says Lalit Farswan, Yatri, “There were huge crowds everywhere.” Naga Prakash, who had driven down from Bangalore to engage with Yatra and the Yatris. “It is a matter of pride for Ballari that Sonia Gandhi contested for Parliament (in 1999) from here.” Shri Rahul Gandhi, Digvijay Singh, and DK Shivkumar, President, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee met with small and medium textile industry entrepreneurs and workers in Moka, Ballari who spoke of how Ballari, once a famous centre for textile manufacturing, declined due to rising input prices of electricity and gas, as well as the BJP government policies of GST and demonetisation. At a public meeting in Ballari, Shri Gandhi stated that one purpose of the yatra was to raise issues of rising unemployment and government corruption.

“On this Yatra I have met many farmers and it’s obvious that they can’t make money without support,” he said, “And yet the BJP government instead of helping has applied GST to farming, the first time ever.” It was a damning indictment of the BJP’s continued mishandling of the farming sector.

Day 39: October 16, 2022

Yatris moved out of camp at Sanganakal for the 13 kilometer walk to Moka Intersection.

Filmmaker Saeed Akhtar (maker of, among others, the film Albert Pinto Ko GussaKyonAata Hai) who interacted with Gandhi during the morning tea break. Earlier in the morning’s Yatra four people were hit by a minor electric shock near Ballari. Shri Gandhi visited the afflicted in the local hospital. An individual Basuraj Reddy. “The yatra is something new in politics,” Reddy said, “And it needs to be supported.”

Day 40: October 17, 2022

Rest day of Yatris.

Day 41: October 18, 2022

Hello Andhra Pradesh! It was a grand start on its first day in Andhra Pradesh; Yatris started their morning walk at Halaharvi, Present to receive the Yatris were State President Sake Sailajanath and other senior state leaders.

The Yatris were undaunted, arriving at their midday resting place of Hathi Belgal at around 10 am, Annaji, Basavanagudi, Sitharaman and Keshav who had come a long way to see the yatris and catch a glimpse of the Congress leaders.

On the road, walking alongside activist and politician Yogendra Yadav, we met the inspirational Kenchappa, a small farmer who had come all the way from Dharwad, Hubli. Shri Jairam Ramesh said, “that the (current) segment of the Yatra is the most important for the Congress.” He added, “This Yatra will be the signal for the revival of the Congress in Andhra Pradesh.” The Yatris marched to their evening destination at Manukurthi 11 kilometres away.

Also met standing outside his beautiful Church, Father Gian Prakash who was waiting for the Yatris. Trinadha Rao, who at the age of 82 was marching with the energy of someone half a century younger. “This is what the nation needs,” he said “And I feel proud to participate.”

Day 42: October 19, 2022

Shri Rahul Gandhi went to offer prayers at the MahayogiLakshmammaAvva Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lakshmamma, also known as Avva, who was born to a poor Dalit family. Gandhi said, “I’m looking at this yatra as a tapasya.” In response to another question he said, “The BJP’s policies have destroyed the economy” because of impact of GST and demonetisation on small businesses and farmers, and the transfer of capital from small businessmen and farmers into the hands of a few businessmen.”

Sugyanamma in the outskirts of Adoni was walking by herself wasn’t part of the Yatra, a social activist who works with PragathiseelaMahila Sangam (POW). She has no interest in active politics. Even so she declared in a few halting words – “Modi, No! Indira Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi suswagatam.”

Ramaji and his friend Andhra were waiting to highlight the lack of business and employment opportunities. “The situation just keeps getting worse, everything is more expensive but our youth have no jobs” Ramaji said.

Murukundu who wants to meet Congress MP Shri Rahul Gandhi says, “I’m a fan, but I want to tell Rahul that Congress needs to become more proactive in Andhra.”

Day 43: October 20, 2022

The Yatris started from Banavasi at 6am, and walked around 9 kilometres arriving at Mugati for their midday rest. The waiting crowds in Yemminagur town and the enthusiastic reception they gave this morning to the #BharatJodoYatra, Mohan and his son Dharmik Raj were part of the crowd; Mohan said he was apolitical, but had come because he “wanted see the marchers and Rahul Gandhi.” Yatri Yogesh Meena met on the road a group of women who said, “The position of women, be it social or economic, had worsened in their state.”

In the afternoon yatris walked approximately 9 kilometres from Halaharvi to their evening break and corner meeting at Kallidevakunta. “We know we have to walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir”, said Jyoti Rautela, “The weather doesn’t matter.”

Shri Rahul Gandhi met with diverse groups in an afternoon interaction. Present at the meeting were representatives of the Vizag steel plant, LIC, Gram Sarpanches, and also a group that had come to discuss the sub-categorisation of reservations for Scheduled Castes in AP. Shri Gandhi statedPSUs have a strong social objective and help to build critical resources. He said INC opposed sale of the Vizag plant, the Party also rejected privatisation of LIC. He said that as some parties were trying to destroy democratic institutions, “the Congress was trying to build systems and institutions to empower people.”

Shri Gandhi visited the Raghavendra Swamy Mutt for a darshan, followed by a meeting with Sri Subudhendra Tirtha Ji at Mantralayam.

Day 44: October 21, 2022

The Bharat Yatris bid farewell to Andhra Pradesh this morning, crossing the mighty Tungabhadra River at Mantralayal town. Shri Rahul Gandhi stated in a press note today that the Congress Party was determined to do all we can to ensure that the Congress returns to its pre-eminent position in the hearts and minds of the people of this state.

The Yatris arrived at their midday rest at Gillesugur in Raichur.

Shri Rahul Gandhi interacted with local farmers and representatives of the Backward caste community. The farming community representatives demanded enforcement of MSP and a partnership between the government and local farmers to de-silt the Tungabhadra Dam.

Shri Gandhi stated that Yatris “Walked every day for six to seven hours, from morning till evening, to listen to the concerns of people.”

Day 45: October 22, 2022

The Yatris got off to a 6am start from Yeragera village. Shaishav Ali and his family. “We have come a long way to see the Yatris”, Ali said. Of much the same view were Lakitha, Pavithra and Krupa who were “hoping to meet Rahul Gandhi.” Along the way,Shri Gandhi walked with Trilochan Sastry, a noted academic from IIM Bangalore, activist and social entrepreneur.

Rahul Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh, Ranjeet Surjewala, Imran Pratapgarhi, Karnataka PCC President DK Shivkumar met representatives from minority communities, and also had an interaction with MGNREGA workers and Devadasi Dalit women from Raichur.

Shri Rahul Gandhi stated that he believed that the “Definition of India is a welcoming place for everyone.” He also assured all present that the divisiveness and hatred fostered by the BJP/ RSS combine would not last.

The MGNREGA workers and Devadasi women apprised Congress leaders of illegal Devadasi practice. At Basaveshwara Circle Ground, Gandhi told the vast assembled audience that today was “The Bharat Jodo Yatra’s last day in Karnataka, and he was grateful to its people for their strength and their love.”

The Yatris will rest for the night at the Ananda Primary School, Yegnur, Raichur. Tomorrow they will cross into Telengana. We bid goodbye to Karnataka.

Day 46: October 23, 2022

As the Yatris entered Telangana they were greeted by slogans, music and beating drums. Present to welcome the Yatris were PCC President Revanth Reddy, and MP Uttam Kumar Reddy. Santhosh Kolkunda, Yatri, this was literally a homecoming. “I’m entering my home state and I cannot describe the feeling,” he said, “The bridge across the Krishna River which separates Karnataka and Telangana was wonderfully decorated, and it was like a festival.” He added, “All our state leaders were there to greet Rahul Gandhi and the Yatris.”

Zeeshan Ahmed, Inter State Yatri, after witnessing the huge crowd and the welcoming scenes, describes it as an “emotional moment that he will never forget.”

Yatri Devendra Nisad with the last word. “Observing the excitement and enthusiasm of the crowd it was clear that the people of Telangana want to be free of hatred, divisiveness, unemployment and rising prices that are the legacy of this BJP government.”

The Yatris took their morning break at Ground Tai Road, Gudebellur. After the end of the morning session, the Yatra will pause for the Diwali holidays, to resume on Oct 27th from Mahbubnagar district in Telangana.

Day 47 to 49: October 24 to 26, 2022: Festival Rest.

Day 50: October 27, 2022

After the end of the three-day Diwali rest period, everyone in the camp was raring to go. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who arrived late the previous night (around 1:00 AM) to the Yatris’ camp, was ready to start by 5:30 AM.

Waiting to receive the Yatris were Revanth Reddy, MP and President TPCC, Bhatti Vikramarka, CLP and Uttam Kumar Reddy, MP. Also accompanying Congress leaders on this approximately 12 kilometres long walk were Telangana Civil Society Coordinators, leaders of the Telangana Federation of Trade Unions (for unorganized sector workers) and members of Kula Nirmulana Samithi. “It’s an exciting time to be in Telangana,” says Yatri Yogesh Meena, “And we were all very impressed by the organisation of the TPCC.”

Jairam Ramesh, MP, stated that the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ was intended to combat three major issues, which were – increase in economic inequality, social polarisation and political centralisation leading to dictatorship.

The Yatris halted for their midday rest at Bondalkunta, Makthal.

In the afternoon there is a planned interaction with farmers and farmers’ representatives from across Telangana. A number of topics will be discussed including farmer suicides, situation of tenant farmers and the negative fallout of the introduction of the Dharani land records portal.

The Yatris arrived for their evening break at Gunmukla at Marikal after an approximately 8-kilometre walk. Along with them, and Gandhi, walked members of the School Sweepers Union. Post journey’s end the Yatris moved to their night halt at Narayanpet.

Day 51: October 28, 2022

The Bharat Yatris walked around 14 kilometres in morning with firecrackers lighting up the dark pre-dawn skies at Narayanpet, NH 167.

Master Pritam, 8, who had come to see the Yatris, and who got to walk alongside Congress MP Jairam Ramesh.

At Peddachinthakunta we met Venkat Reddy who said he’d come “from a close by village to meet the Bharat Yatris.” He also said that the Yatra has become a major topic of conversation in his village. At a mid-morning break, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi today met with local communities and played the tappu. “The Tappu”, says Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, CLP, Telengana “Is a local art form that was used for communications – such as calling panchayat meetings, announcing revenue collections, etc.”

The Yatris halted for their midday rest at Goplapurkalan. In the afternoon.

Birajit Sinha, President Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee said that the #BharatJodoYatra had “Shaken up the entire country. Even in remote villages they were discussing the Yatra.” Bhakta Charan Das, ex-MP, Orissa, said that given its widespread popularity, “The Yatra was connecting social media to the grassroots.”

Amrinder Singh Raja, President Punjab PCC said that the Yatra was a great way to “Connect with the youth at the ground level; It’s a fantastic initiative and will get bigger.”

Jothimani, MP, Tamil Nadu, spoke of the huge impact that Yatra was getting “50 to 60 thousand people at a time.”

In the afternoon Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had an interaction with handloom weavers and tribal women. The weavers spoke of the negative impact of GST on their already stressed businesses, while the tribal women asked for greater appreciation of their land rights.

This later afternoon and evening the Yatris walked 8 kilometres, arriving for the corner meeting at Oblaipalle.

Day 52: October 29, 2022

It was indeed a long morning walk today 16-kilometre, perhaps the longest of the Yatra yet.

The excitement and support of the crowd was like a pure jolt of adrenaline. Says YatriShatrughan Sharma, “The crowd fervour was incredible, just out of this world”.

Shri Gandhi met members of the vulnerable forest dwelling Chenchu Adivasi group, a group of local teachers; and representatives of a handloom weaving community, including Padmashri awardee and handloom designer GajamAnjaiah.

The Yatris took their midday rest at the Gopal Reddy Garden. Yatris were welcomed at Jadcherla, as they ended their evening walk around 10 kilometres. Congress leaders met with diverse groups to discuss developmental challenges of Mahabubnagar district and also specifically Education related issues, Public Education was being deliberately undermined in favour of private institutions. The state’s scheme of giving money to the parents of girls getting married was leading to a decline in their education opportunities. Participants said that despite the Krishna River flowing through Mahabubnagar, there was paucity of water for farming leading to extreme poverty and migrations.

Day 53: October 30, 2022

Yatris walked approximately 13 kilometres from their starting point of Gollapalli to their midday resting place at Balanagar. Also walking with us was 78-year-old Daleep Singh, a farmer rights activist and lawyer. Under the BJP/ RSS regime we “Are living in an undeclared emergency,” he said and was walking with us to support the idea and values of the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Groups and individuals also joined the Yatra on this day’s morning session. The a VyavasayaVruttidarula Union representatives came to discuss MGNREGA and issues of agricultural workers. Popular Dalit writer and influencer, Indus Martin was present with his group. The Social Democratic Forum (SDF) and Osmania University Students JAC were present to highlight social justice and employment issues.

Yatris started their evening walk from Balanagar junction, walking approximately 11 kilometres at Solipur near the Shadnagar bypass. A meeting between Rahul Gandhi and members of the civil society, defining three key areas. One – India was getting divided, and the need to combat divisiveness. Two the failure of the current economic model. And three, huge levels of unemployment and price rise, Gandhi stated that the power of the BJP/ RSS combined was an illusion. “If people stand up, they will back down.” In the evening Gandhi stated that “(We are) not tired even after walking 26 km today and this is only possible with all the love, support and your blessings and good will only.”

Day 54: October 31, 2022

Yatris as they started their journey from the Shadnagar Bus Depot for their approximately 14-kilometre morning march. Bharat Yatris, along with usual morning flag raising, a ceremony commemorating the birth and death anniversaries respectively of Sardar Vallabhai Patel and Indira Gandhi.

Yatris were joined by representatives of the India for Safe Food group, who discussed topics related to sustainable agriculture & the threat of genetically modified crops. A second group represented the Youth Welfare Association, and discussed unemployment related issues and the impact of Covid-19 & GST on small businesses.

Yatris began their later afternoon walk, the distance of 10km from Kothur to Muchintal.

Shri Rahul Gandhi outlined the deleterious impact of the BJP/RSS ideology on the nation. He said, “A lot of damage has been done to the institutional framework of our country.” He also spoke about capitalism and its impact on the economy.

Yatris take their evening break at the Indira Gandhi statue on Necklace Road.

Day 55: November 1, 2022

We came across Telangana CLP Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka at 4:30am, dressed in his usual shining whites, personally supervising early morning activities in the camp – and this was before most of the Yatris had even come out of their containers.

Diverse groups marched with the Yatris. The Hyderabad Children’s Parliament comprising of youth from Hyderabad slums, accompanied part of the way. The family of Perumalla Pranay, victims of honour killings in intercaste marriages, were also present. And finally, the Dalit Womens’ Collective, including Rohith Vemula’s mother also came part of the way.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said, “This is not a ChunaoJeeto Yatra. It has nothing to do with elections. The goal is more than just politics. We hope that the Yatra helps strengthen the Congress organisation and therefore elections performance, but that’s not the primary goal.”

Congress leaders went to Charminar, where Rajiv Gandhi started the Sadhbhavna Yatra in 1990 on this very day, and where every year a national flag is raised. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also attended the ceremony.

Rahul Gandhi had an interaction with Women’s groups, Hyderabad working class women, & Transgenders.

Congress leaders arrive at the head of a vibrant, excited procession and then raise the national flag at Charminar; after which, starting the evening walk, there came at you an absolute river of people coursing down Afzal Ganj, banked on either side by shops selling pearls and perfumes, past restaurants and Irani tea shops, you’d have witnessed the opening of evening proceedings of the #BharatJodoYatra on its 55th day.

Day 56: November 2, 2022

For SarabjeetDhody Natesan and her daughter Avi the last few days have been memorable. The Associate Professor of Economics at KREA University had come from Chennai on the 31st to join the #BharatJodoYatra. Yesterday she and Avi, an entrepreneur, had walked alongside us. Natesan was not just excited to be there, she also told us that “If people like us (intellectuals, academicians) don’t join the Yatra now, then when?”

We regret to report that today former Maharashtra Energy Minister Dr Nitin Raut was injured reportedly after a Telangana police officer pushed him while he was walking. Raut narrowly avoided grievous injury, but it was serious enough for him to be admitted to a hospital.

Meanwhile the Yatris commenced their morning journey at Balanagar Main Road to arrive for their midday break at Hafeezpet, Madinaguda.

In the afternoon a select group of Yatris met with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Yatri Roshan Lal Bittu it was an energizing experience. “He is an inspiring presence – so simple and so approachable.” Yatris walked from the BHEL bus stand to the end of their journey in Muthanga, they were accompanied by a number of distinguished individuals, including KanchaIlaiah – a writer and Dalit activist, and SathaiahKolluri, Dalit philanthropist and President of the Phule Ambedkar Society.

Day 57: November 3, 2022

Yatris commenced their morning journey at Ganesh Mandir, Rudraram and walked around 13 kilometres to their midday break at Hanuman Nagar.

People like Motilal, a student leader from Osmania who says he’s not part of the Congress but came with a group of his friends to actively participate in and support the Yatra. Bharat YatriJhabar Sherawat said that the “spirit of support I see while I’m walking gives me fresh energy and the will to continue.”In part, the ideals of the Yatra seem to have resonated deeply with the public.

Speaking to a huge crowd this evening, Gandhi struck a poignant note. “No power can stop this yatra,” he said, “There is a reason for this – your love, your energy (shakti) is propelling it forward.” Yatris walked around 8 kilometres from Shilparamam Function to Ramalayam Arch, Sivampet Village.

The Yatra is proving to havea unifying, healing impact across communities, religions and cultures.

Day 58: November 4, 2022

Rest

Day 59: November 5, 2022

The Yatris commenced their journey this 59th day of the Yatra. They were accompanied on their way by a number of Telangana’s local leaders including CLP Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and MP Uttam Kumar Reddy. The Bharat Yatris walked through Medak district, from where Congress leader and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had won elections in 1980.

Yatris were accompanied by a number of groups including unionised South Central Railway employees who discussed railways privatisation, members of the India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association, and the Toddy tappers Association. The Yatris walked 13 kilometres to their midday break point at Danampally, Jogipet.

YatriAnulekhaBoosa is the celebratory atmosphere. “Every now and then,” she says “One came across groups of local artists playing music, beating drums, alankar as if it was the festive season.” You could see it in the colourful costumes, the slogans chanting, the music playing and the crowds spilling on to the lush green fields on both sides of the highway, as the Yatris walked from Danampally, Jogipet to Gadi Peddapur, Alladurg.

Day 60: November 6, 2022

The Bharat Yatris, national and state leadership and Congress cadre, commenced this day’s morning walk from Ramapur village to their destination near Kamalapur village. A colourful addition to the journey we want to particularly note is the humongous 200-300 metre flag that Congress cadres had showcased en route. “It just seemed to go on forever” says Bharat Jodo team cameraman Ajay Thakur, who chanced upon the display.

To support the Yatra was noted lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan.Speaking of his experience, on the 60th day of the Yatra, Bhushan tweeted that he “Participated in the Bharat Jodo Yatra today because I feel that it has the potential of positively changing the atmosphere of Hate which is being created by the BJP & its associates.”

Shri Rahul Gandhi had an interaction with representatives of the SC, ST, and OBC communities. Speaking of the interaction MP Jairam Ramesh said that it revealed a Rahul Gandhi “Who’s extremely well read on the works of Mahatma Phule and Dr. Ambedkar. He engaged Dalit, Adivasi and OBC groups in a most serious manner…..they interacted on a variety of issues ……It was as good as any serious sociology session.”

This evening the Yatris walked from Nizampet Village, Narayankhed to Massanpally Cross. They also crossed over from Medak to Kamareddy district.

Day 61: November 7, 2022

Thank you, Telangana

The sixty first day of the Yatra was also the last day’s morning walk for the Yatris in Telangana, the walkers covered the distance from Fathlapur Bus stand to their midday break at Shekhapur. During the morning session we were accompanied by representatives of the Daystar India Trust who spoke of HIV prevalence in children in specific to Jukkal area through which the Yatra is passing, and a group of singers and writers walking to support the Yatra.

We would like to thank all the leaders of Telangana – from PCC President A Revanth Reddy, CLP Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka… all the way to the Congress cadres at the village level for the hospitality, excellent organisation and support to the Yatra. 8:30PM- at the end Yatris walked into Maharastra.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said the “I feel a little sad that we’re leaving Telangana behind.” He added, “After walking these roads of Telangana I came to understand what Telangana is and what it is not. I understood the spirit and the soul of the people.”