The Congress party faced a setback on Wednesday as the Manipur government reportedly denied permission for the "Bharat Nyay Yatra" due to fresh violence in the state. The scheduled commencement of the Yatra is on January 14, and it is expected that Rahul Gandhi will lead this march. Despite the denial of permission, Congress leader K C Venugopal asserted that the Yatra would still kick off in Manipur. In the face of this obstacle, Venugopal announced that if the government does not provide a suitable location, they are prepared to conduct the Yatra in an alternative venue.

Chief Minister Singh addressed the situation on Tuesday, indicating that the decision to permit the Congress's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' was actively being considered. He clarified that a concrete decision would be reached after receiving reports from various security agencies, underscoring the critical law and order situation in Manipur. This suggests a cautious approach by the state government, taking into account the security concerns surrounding such a large-scale public event.

The 'Bharat Nyay Yatra' itself is a significant endeavor, spanning a distance of 6,713 km through a combination of bus and foot travel. The journey is designed to cover 110 districts, touching upon 100 Lok Sabha seats and traversing 337 assembly segments over a period of 66 days. This ambitious itinerary reflects the party's commitment to connect with people across the country, addressing issues and garnering support in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.

The culmination of the Yatra is scheduled for March 20 in Mumbai, adding to its overall importance. Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge is slated to inaugurate the program in the presence of chief ministers from Congress-ruled states and other top party leaders. This final event underscores the political significance of the Yatra, as it brings together key figures within the Congress party, potentially serving as a platform to outline the party's vision and agenda for the future.

While the denial of permission in Manipur presents a challenge, the Congress party's determination to proceed with the Yatra reflects its commitment to reaching out to the people. Kc Venugopal's statement about finding an alternative location demonstrates the party's flexibility and resilience in the face of obstacles.

You might also be interested in - After more than three decades, Manipur bids farewell to being a ‘dry state’