Broken rear window pane of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's car which got smashed when sudden brakes were applied after a woman came in front of the vehicle during the 'Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra', in Malda district. (PTI)Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Day 17 Live Updates: The rear windscreen of a car carrying Rahul Gandhi was damaged during the ongoing ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’, with West Bengal unit president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury alleging that the vehicle was “pelted with stones” in Malda district, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed the incident took place in adjoining Bihar. Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had claimed that Gandhi’s vehicle was not attacked in the state but in Bihar’s Katihar.
The ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ re-entered West Bengal through Debipur in Ratua situated in the northern part of Malda district from Bihar on Wednesday. The initial leg of the yatra in West Bengal concluded on Monday when it crossed over from Islampur into Bihar.
Meanwhile, in his first reaction to JD(U) president Nitish Kumar’s switch to the NDA, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted that the ‘Mahagathbandhan’, comprising of Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Left parties, has “taken responsibility for delivering social justice in Bihar, and we don’t need Nitish Kumar.” He also discussed the importance of the caste survey, and unemployment in the country. Rahul said that the country needs a caste-based census to determine exact population of Dalits, OBCs, and others.
Rahul Gandhi's Nyay Yatra likely to enter Odisha on Feb 6
The Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is likely to enter Odisha on February 6 through the Sundergarh district, state Congress president Sarat Pattanayak said.
The state Congress would accord a grand welcome to Gandhi in Biramitrapur at the Odisha-Jharkhand border on the night of February 6, he said.
Besides Sundergarh, the Yatra would travel through Rourkela and Jharsuguda, before leaving the state for Chhattisgarh, he said. "Gandhi will tentatively arrive at Biramitrapur on February 6 night. The next day he will hold a roadshow in Rourkela, Gadagaon and Uttara. He will have a night halt in Jharsuguda on February 7," Pattanayak said.
"On February 8, he will lead the Yatra to Belpahar, Hrudaynagar and Kanaktara, before entering Chhattisgarh. All the programmes will be finalised very soon," he added.
Rahul's car windscreen damage: Adhir alleges stone-pelting, Congress cites sudden braking
The rear windscreen of a car carrying Rahul Gandhi was damaged during the ongoing 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', with West Bengal unit president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury alleging that the vehicle was "pelted with stones" in Malda district, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed the incident took place in adjoining Bihar.
The Congress, on its official X handle, however, said the window pane was damaged when sudden brakes had to be applied due to a woman coming in front of the vehicle. However, Gandhi remained unharmed in the incident. Television footage showed him inspecting the damaged window pane after arriving at a designated halt.
The state Congress claimed the "attack" took place in Malda's Harishchandrapur area as the yatra re-entered West Bengal from Bihar. "The rear window pane of the vehicle in which Rahul Gandhi was travelling was smashed after being pelted with stones... this is unacceptable. As the yatra entered Malda and was moving through Harishchandrapur, a stone was thrown at the car," Chowdhury remarked.
Will conduct countrywide caste census after coming to power: Rahul Gandhi
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted that a countrywide caste census would be conducted if the party comes to power at the Centre in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
While addressing a rally as part of 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in West Bengal's Malda district, Gandhi accused the RSS and the BJP of propagating hatred and violence. "We want social justice. After we come to power at the Centre, we will conduct a countrywide caste census to find out the number of Dalits and people from other backward communities," he said.
Accusing the BJP and RSS of propagating hatred and violence, Gandhi underscored the essence of the yatra, stating, "The word 'nyay' (justice) has been attached to the yatra because injustice prevails across the country."
Watch | Rahul Gandh interacts with crowds as Yatra enters Bengal
Rahul Gandhi's car 'pelted with stones' during Congress yatra in Bengal: Adhir
A car in which Rahul Gandhi was travelling in West Bengal's Malda district as part of 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' was pelted with stones by unidentified persons, claimed state party chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. The rear window pane of the vehicle was smashed in the incident but Gandhi did not suffer any injury.
Television visuals showed Gandhi alighting from the vehicle after reaching a designated halt and inspecting the damaged windowpane.
The attack took place in Malda's Harischandrapur area as the yatra re-entered West Bengal from Bihar. "The rear window pane of the vehicle Rahul Gandhi was travelling in was smashed after being pelted with stones... this is unacceptable," Chowdhury said.
Mamata Banerjee holds padyatra in Malda where Congress' Yatra is also scheduled to enter during the day
West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday began her 'Jonosanjog Yatra' at English Bazar in Malda district, where Congress' 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' is also scheduled to enter during the day.
According to an official, the procession led by Banerjee started from the Malda Police Line ground and will culminate at the District Sports Association ground where she is scheduled to address a rally at 2 pm.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is also expected to reach Malda this afternoon, a place which is also considered a Congress stronghold.
Bihar: Rahul Gandhi resumes Nyay Yatra with roadshow in Katihar
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday resumed his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' with a roadshow in Bihar's Katihar district.
He was seen sitting on the roof of a sports utility vehicle, which was slowly moving and he waved at enthusiastic crowds that gathered along the road.
Locals queued up on both sides of the road and watched the procession. (PTI)
Watch | Congress MP Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Bihar, as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi held a roadshow in the Katihar district of Bihar on Wednesday, as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Media, Reflects On Bhatta Parsaul, And Advocates For Farmers In Purnea
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, speaking to farmers in Purnea, Bihar, criticises the media for a shift in their stance since he raised concerns about land acquisition in Bhatta Parsaul, Uttar Pradesh. Herecalls his 2011 visit as a show of support for farmers protesting against land acquisitions under the Mayawati government. Gandhi asserts that his efforts led to introducing the 2013 Land Acquisition Act during the Congress-led UPA government.
"We Don't Need Him": Rahul Gandhi's First Reaction After Nitish Kumar's Exit
Rahul Gandhi On Nitish Kumar: In his first reaction to Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) president Nitish Kumar’s switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Tuesday asserted that the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ has “taken the responsibility of delivering social justice” in Bihar, and that the grand alliance “does not need Nitish Kumar.”
Rahul Gandhi Highlights Congress's Pro-Farmer Initiatives In Purnia, Amid Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi addresses farmers in Purnia, Bihar, during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, emphasizing the party's commitment to agricultural welfare. Rahul Gandhi cites past achievements, including the waiver of a Rs 72,000 Crores loan for farmers and the introduction of the Land Acquisition Bill. He pledges continued support, asserting that Congress, during its governance in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, ensured fair prices for farmers' produce.
Watch | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi resumes Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Katihar, Bihar
What is today's schedule of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra?
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, currently traversing Bihar, is set to re-enter West Bengal today via Malda.
At 8:15 am, the Yatra will recommence from Katihar in Bihar, initiating with a padayatra from Shaheed Chowk to D.S College in Katihar. Subsequently, Rahul Gandhi will deliver a public address.
Following the address, the Yatra will proceed by bus to reach Labha Bridge at the Bihar-West Bengal border for the flag handover ceremony at 11:15 am. The journey will then pause for a morning break at Debipur-Ratua, Malda, West Bengal.
Resuming at 2 pm from Ratua Stadium in Malda, the Yatra is slated for an evening break at 5 pm at the Post Office More in Malda, accompanied by another public address.
Congress, RJD, Left put up a show of strength at Purnea
The Congress, RJD and Left put up a show of strength at Purnea, which was held as part of Rahul’s Yatra. The ground was packed with supporters of the three parties, though both RJD leader Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav had to skip the meeting due to appearance before the Enforcement Directorate. The RJD was represented by its MP Ashfaq Karim.
While Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was also expected to attend, he could not make it in time and a recorded speech of his was played. Apart from Rahul, the Congress leaders present included former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, Jairam Ramesh, Kanhaiya Kumar, Imran Pratapgarhi, as well as state unit leaders Akhilesh Singh, Tariq Anwar, Shakeel Ahmed and Ranjita Ranjan.
Among the Left leaders, CPI (M-L) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, whose party has a good presence in Bihar, was among the senior-most names.
While Kharge and Ramesh had flayed Nitish after he left the INDIA alliance, bringing down the Mahagathbandhan government and, hours later, returning as CM heading an NDA government, Rahul had so far not spoken on the issue, including when his Yatra entered Bihar through Kishanganj.
In Pics | Crowds at Rahul's Purnea rally
Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally in Bihar's Purnea, as part of his ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, today.
(Express photos by Partha Paul)
INDIA has taken responsibility for social justice in Bihar, don’t need Nitish: Rahul in Purnea
In his first reaction to JD(U) president Nitish Kumar’s switch to the NDA, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted that the INDIA bloc has “taken responsibility for delivering social justice in Bihar, and that they don’t need Nitish Kumar.” He also discussed the importance of the caste survey, and unemployment in the country.
He also said the BJP is spreading hatred and violence in the country, to divert attention from social and economic justice.
Tejashwi Yadav, other RJD leaders skip Rahul's Purnea rally
Top Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders, including former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav, skipped Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra rally in Purnea today, in view of the ED’s questioning of former CM Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi.
Tejashwi appeared before the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday for questioning in connection with the Central agency’s money laundering investigation into the alleged land-for-jobs scam.
The RJD has said the ED questioning is a result of political vendetta.
“It is a pure case of political vendetta as the Central government has been targeting one Opposition leader after another. People of the country have been witnessing and understanding it. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and have full faith in the judicial process,” RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari told The Indian Express.
Read more here
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Live Updates: Rahul Gandhi empathises with struggle that farmers have to face under Modi Govt, says Jairam Ramesh
Rahul Gandhi interacted with the farmer community in Bihar's Purnea on Tuesday during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Speaking about Gandhi's interaction, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the farmers shared their stories with him and highlighted that they had been squeezed between rising input costs, unfair land acquisition practices, and inadequate compensation for their harvest.
In Purnea today during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi had an extended interaction with local farmers. The farmers shared their stories with him, highlighting that they had been squeezed between rising input costs, unfair land acquisition practices, and inadequate compensation for their harvest,' Jairam Ramesh shared on his X account.
'Rahul empathised with the struggle that farmers have to face the Modi Government’s anyay-kaal, juxtaposing the UPA Government’s progressive Land Acquisition Law to the Modi Government’s attempts to revoke it within months of coming to power. He assured them that as soon as the Congress Government is formed, it would enforce robust and fair laws for farmers across the nation, delivering on the promise of Kisan NYAY,' he wrote further.
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Live Updates: Rahul Gandhi speaks to Bihar residents over tea at a dhaba.
Rahul Gandhi spoke to a few Bihar residents over tea at a dhaba, during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Tuesday. A picture was released on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra's official X account. Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar was also seen in the photograph.
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Live Updates: On day 2 of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Bihar, Rahul to address a rally in Purnea
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will on Tuesday address his first rally in Bihar ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, seeking to pick up the threads for the opposition INDIA bloc which has been tattered with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s exit.
Gandhi’s rally in Purnea district falls on the second day of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’s march across the state where it made an entry through Kishanganj district and made a night halt at adjoining Araria.
According to Congress legislature party leader in Bihar, the rally will also be addressed by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge who has also invited other leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc to share the stage.Also likely to be present is young leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who hails from the state’s Begusarai district. (inputs from PTI)
In Pics | Rahul Gandhi and Kanhaiya Kumar hold meeting with farmers in Purnea
'Our govt waved off farmer loans worth Rs 74,000 crores & got the land acquisition bill,' says Rahul Gandhi in Purnea
While interacting with farmers in Purnea during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi assured them that if the party was voted to power they would put forward farmer-friendly policies, and also spoke about the UPA government’s role in bringing the Land Acquisition Bill 2013.
“I am not speaking empty words here. We had waived off the Rs 72,000 Crores loan of farmers. We had brought the Land Acquisition Bill. When we had our governments in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, we gave the right price (of produce) to farmers. So, we have worked and we will work in the time to come…” he said.