In Clash of Narratives Between PM Modi & Bharat Jodo Yatra, Foot March “Clear Winner”: Congress

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 13th May. Praising the Bharat Jodo Yatra’s contribution to its victory in the Karnataka assembly elections, the Congress stated on Saturday that in the conflict of narratives between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the yatra, the cross-country foot march is a “clear winner”

The ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ led by Rahul Gandhi entered in Karnataka on September 30 in Gundlupet in Chamarajanagara district. It traveled via Chamarajanagara, Mysuru, Mandya, Tumkur, Chitradurga, Bellary, and Raichur, covering a distance of over 500 kilometers in 22 days.

During its stay in the state, the march attracted a significant number of people from all walks of life. It was regarded as a success, although many questioned its electoral impact.

Many members of the party believe it has played a vital role in boosting the Congress’ electoral fortunes in the state, and its impact is visible to everybody.

Talking about the yatra’s role in the Congress’ performance in the southern state, party general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “It was the Sanjeevini for the party. It energised the organisation and instilled a deep sense of unity and solidarity among leaders and workers.”

“The Bharat Jodo Yatra started a particular narrative in Indian politics which the people of India were waiting for,” Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said when asked about the yatra factor.

“In Karnataka, the Bharat Jodo Yatra spent about 22 days. If you remember the visuals of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi being drenched in the rain and continuing his speech in October, I think these visuals have stayed in people’s mind,” he added.

The yatra’s message has resonated across the country, but especially in Karnataka, according to Khera, who also credited the poll campaigns organized by former party leader Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

“The guidance that we all got from our seasoned leader Mr Kharge (Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge), the result is there for everyone to see,” he added.

Referring to the Kanyakumari to Kashmir campaign headed by Rahul Gandhi who walked some 3,000 km over three months, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohammed said, “The Bharat Jodo Yatra made a lot of difference.

Asked if the yatra had passed the test of electoral impact, Khera said the foot march had nothing to do with elections.

He, however, said, “Elections are a clash of narratives, in the clash of narratives between Narendra Modi versus Bharat Jodo Yatra, I think the Bharat Jodo Yatra is a clear winner.” The yatra was all about local issues and issues of everyday life of every man and woman, the Congress leader said.

“Mr Narendra Modi, however, tried in the Karnataka campaign to make the entire election about himself and tried to bring a narrative hate-filled narrative, which divides, that was rejected decisively by the people of Karnataka,” he said.

Khera said the “big win” means a lot for the country. “It means that the country is desperate to get united, the country is desperate to reject those who are trying to divide the country,” he said.