Yatra is not the end; it is merely the first, modest step; bigger ones will come after: Rahul

Srinagar: Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader of the Congress, stated today that the “tremendous response of people” to his “Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY)” was above his expectations and that the yatra will have a significant impact on national politics. Speaking at a press conference held here, he declared, “The yatra has offered the people of the country an alternative perspective, which is one of unity, love, affection, caring, understanding, and listening. The other perspective held by the BJP and RSS is one of haughtiness, hatred, and repression. Not only are they two visions, but they are also two ways of living. Both views are currently available to the nation’s citizens. He said the yatra is not an end.” It is the first step but a small one. bigger steps will follow,” the Congress leader said.

He stated that as the Yatra began nobody was expecting such a great response from the people. “We met lakhs of people. The strength and resilience of people of India could be directly seen during yatra. I learnt a lot and understood a lot during the yatra. We started the yatra with the objective to unite the people and the country. The yatra was against the atmosphere of hate and violence being spread. The response of people from Kanyakumari to Kashmir was tremendous. I am thankful to people.”

He said various issues like unemployment and dearness were raised. “Even the voice of under pressure sections including unemployment people, farmers and small business was heard. “ Personally it was the most rich and beautiful experience of my life. It did not remain a yatra of me or Congress. Common people walked with us and we participated. It was the yatra of India and yatra of people of India,” Rahul said.

The Congress leader said people in Jammu and Kashmir are unhappy with whatever is happening. “I came here with an open heart and open arms to help people in whatever way I can. I experienced a powerful feeling of homecoming during my journey through Jammu and Kashmir. A strange idea came to my mind. My family came from Jammu and Kashmir and moved to Allahabad and now I was doing a reverse journey. It was a powerful feeling of homecoming,” he said.

He said that he was humbled by the love and affection he received here. “There are problems of unemployment and dearness here. Besides there are other local issues as well,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi demanded immediate restoration of statehood and democratic process. He said these are the basic and immediate requirements.” Other local issues can be dealt with when there is a legislative assembly,” he said. He avoided directly replying to questions on article 370 saying “ Congress working Committee has already taken a stand on the issue.”

He said the situation in J&K has not improved as is being said by the government. “ If the situation had improved then why bomb blasts and targeted killings are still taking place here,”he asked.

Rahul denied the claim that there is a divided opposition in the nation. He declared that despite their disagreements, the opposition parties would stand together to oppose the RSS and BJP’s ideology. He said, “Let me tell you that debate, conversation, and vision bring opposition unity. The leader of the Congress asked the central authorities to deal with China aggressively.