New Delhi, Jan 10 (UNI) The Congress on Wednesday said despite the Manipur government not giving permission to Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, it will start from Imphal itself on January 14.
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, senior party leaders KC Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh accused the Manipur Government of ‘creating hurdles by not permitting the yatra from the Palace Ground.
“May be they are scared of this yatra, ” the Congress General Secretary said.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, to be led by senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, is not a political Yatra and despite permission not been granted, it will commence from Imphal itself at any cost and on January 14, Venugopal added.
He said that the party was looking for alternate venues and state leaders including former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and PCC President K Meghachandra were in touch with the manipur Chief minister on the issue.
Venugopal said that the Chief Minister had verbally agreed to one of the alternate venues.
It may be mentioned that the Manipur government has declined permission to the Congress for the launch of Yatra from the Palace Ground.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra had met the chief minister regarding permission for the venue of the yatra at Palace Ground, but the chief minister declined to give permission, Venugopal added.
He said that the Manipur Government and the BJP hold meetings at Palace Ground, but Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra is not permitted. “This shows they are scared of it”.
Venugopal added that the Congress had invited I.N.D.I.A leaders to participate in the Yatra as per their convenience.
Replying to a question, he said that besides the Yatra, the party was simultaneously preparing for the Lok Sabha elections. He said on January 12, the party will be holding a meeting of the coordinators of all parliamentary constituencies.
The two leaders also launched the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra pamphlets and Nyay Yodha Campaign.
