Several parties join Rahul Gandhi's Yatra against ‘hatred’ on day 2 of U.P. leg

During its U.P. leg, the yatra will pass through Baghpat and Shamli -- both districts seen as the centre of farmer politics in the state.

Braving cold weather conditions, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with thousands of supporters, continued his ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ on Wednesday from Mawikalan village in Baghpat. He was in his much-talked-about ‘T-shirt’ avatar despite the biting winter cold during the yatra. His look remained the talking point among his supporters. All along, party functionaries and others who joined the yatra raised slogans of ‘Bharat Jodo, Nafrat Chhodo’. Many were seen waving the tricolour and the Congress party flag.

Many were seen waving the tricolour and the Congress party flag. (HT Photo)

During its U.P. leg, the yatra will pass through Baghpat and Shamli -- both districts seen as the centre of farmer politics in the state. Farmers in large numbers from this region had taken part in the stir against the three contentious farm laws that were later rolled back by the Centre under pressure. The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), which led farmers’ protests, also extended its support to the Bharat Jodo Yatra. BKU’s district president of Baghpat, Pratap Gurjar, welcomed the yatra at Mawikalan with garlands and flowers.

Besides, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also welcomed the yatra. In fact, RLD MLA from Chaprauli, Dr Ajay Tomar, along with other party leaders, welcomed the yatra and also walked along with Rahul Gandhi in a display of their support. Similarly, Rashtriya Jat Mahasangh also supported the yatra. Its spokesperson Rohit Jakhar walked along with yatris while several functionaries waved RLD flags. “Our leader Jayant Choudhary has extended support to yatra. We welcome efforts of all those who have been working for communal harmony in the country as secularism is the soul of our constitution,” said Jakhar.

Peace Party president Dr Ayyub also supported the yatra and said that it is spreading a message of love and harmony among people. Meanwhile, the yatra also attracted Allahabad University (AU) students, who are protesting against a fee hike. Shashank Dwivedi, an AU student, said, “We are disappointed with the ruling BJP for not taking any action against the 400% fee hike announced by varsity authorities.” Student union president of DAV degree college in Azamgarh, Aman Bahadur Yadav, also participated in the yatra and expressed his dismay over the new education policy. He also raised the issue of unemployment. Several Army aspirants upset with the Agniveer scheme also joined the yatra.

The yatra also witnessed several cane farmers unhappy with “non-payment” of dues. “BJP has ruined the farmers. Even the selling price for sugarcane crop has not been decided yet,” said Vijay Chikara Saud, a local farmer. On Wednesday, famous comedian, poet, and satirist Rajeev Nigam also walked with Rahul Gandhi. Some university professors and doctors were also seen in the yatra.

While Priyanka Gandhi returned to Delhi, senior Congress leaders present during the yatra on Wednesday included -- Digvijay Singh, Jairam Ramesh, Salman Khursheed, Pramod Tiwari, Ajay Kumar Lallu, Pankhuri Pathak, Imran Pratapgarhi, Omveer Yadav, Brijlal Khabri, and Naseeruddin Siddique, among others.

The yatra halted at Ellam in Shamli district. It will enter Haryana tomorrow evening after passing through Kairana in Shamli.