What was the effect of Bharat Jodo Yatra in Punjab? Will it help to revitalize the state parliament?
News of the tragic death of Santokh Chowdhary, member of the same party from Jalandhar swept his Punjabi phase of the Rahul Gandhi-led congress party ‘Bharat Jodh yatra’. His Santokh Singh Chowdhary, who served as a member of parliament on his two occasions and is a prominent leader of his Adi Dharmi, is respected throughout the party and his death is a great loss to the parliament. Santokh Singh Chowdhury, a genuine member of parliament, died during Bharat Jodo Yatra in Filal. Less than an hour later, he was attending a public meeting of leaders of various religions. But apart from that, Bharat Jodo Yatra had a huge opportunity of its own in Punjab. The late Sidhumous his father Barkaur Singh joined Jalandhar’s Yatra and former AAP MP Dharam Birganj joined Fatehgar Sahib. Rahul Gandhi’s interactions with intellectuals, ex-military, brokers, lawyers and other sections were also good.
But the question is what impact did Bharat Jodo Yatra have in Punjab? Will it help revitalize state legislatures?
What worked for the Congress Party?
1. Increased squad energy
All in all, Yatra has energized the parliamentary staff. Congressional officials were deeply disappointed after the party’s defeat in the 2022 general election. They were further weakened by the defector storm that began with the joining of the BJP by leaders such as Sunil Jakhar, Gurupreet Kangar, Raj Kumar Beluka, Barbir Sidhu and Sundar Shyam Arora. Former Finance Minister Manpreet Badal, considered a favorite of the central parliamentary leadership during the yatra, switched to the BJP. However, Yatra actively mobilized party members and they participated in numerous Yatras. In places like the town of Jalandhar, yatras have garnered great support among the general public, especially among the traditional Dalit and Hindu upper caste constituencies. During the visit, leaders such as PCC Chief Amalinder Singh Raja Waring, Opposition Leader Pratap Singh Bajwa, former CM Charanjit Channi, and Rajasthan Emir Sukjindar Randawa demonstrated a united front. Even Khadoor Sahib’s angry parliamentarian Jasbir Singh Dimpa backed the yatra.
2. Five Lok Sabha seats are covered
Bharat Jodo Yatra passed through his five constituencies of Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur out of 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Punjab. Along with Anandpur Sahib, these five seats are also the parliament’s biggest hopes in the Lok Sabha election.
3. A gathering of dignitaries for an interview with Rahul Gandhi
Without a doubt, Barkaul Singh’s participation in Yatra was significant. As long as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Sidhu Moosawalla is on the run, this will remain a major concern for many. Balkaur Singh is the main voice expressing this dissatisfaction. Similarly, Dr. Dharamvir Gandhi is a respected person who selflessly worked for the people as a doctor and activist. His presence in the yatra no doubt gives him credibility beyond his parliamentary supporters.
Rahul Gandhi wore a turban and attended Harmandir Sahib and Fatehgarh Sahib. His photos have also done a lot on social media. But it also put Congress under the microscope over Operation Brewster and his 1984 massacre of anti-Sikhs.
Rahul Gandhi’s interactions with intellectuals, lawyers, job seekers, young farmers, ex-soldiers and other departments were also good. The coordinator is Mr. Kamil Amar Singh, a former member of the Raikot Party.
Eyewitnesses to these meetings say Gandhi had to face some difficult issues and realities. However, he says Rahul handled the situation gracefully. Ultimately, it let various sections know that Congress was ready to speak and was looking to find a solution.