Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressing concerns about potential disruptions and security issues during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in West Bengal.
Kharge cited previous incidents in neighbouring states and urged Banerjee to ensure the smooth passage of the yatra and the safety of participants, including Rahul Gandhi.
Kharge said Rahul Gandhi has always maintained that the yatra serves a larger purpose of uniting people who he claimed stand divided today by the Bharatiya Janata Party in the name of religion, caste and creed and to ensure that the weakest are assured of justice social, economic and political.
Kharge further added, "That is why the yatras have remained apolitical and attracted crores of people across India cutting across all sections of the society who identify with a strong, progressive and secular 'INDIA for All'".
The Congress leader informed Banerjee about miscreants targeting the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in neighbouring states, possibly under political instigation. He requested appropriate directions to ensure the yatra's safety during its passage through Bengal.
"Now the yatra is passing through Bengal over the next few days. I have been made aware that again some miscreants may foment trouble for the yatra. I am not sure if intention may be to show the state administration in bad light or to disrupt the yatra," Kharge reportedly wrote.
He further added, "I am aware that the Gandhi family and you share very cordial relations, and you would ensure that all security concerns would be addressed adequately. However, I thought it would be best if I personally write to you requesting for the same."
Kharge previously spoke with Banerjee after her announcement that the Trinamool Congress would contest elections alone, indicating ongoing efforts for a tie-up with her party and the Congress.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entered West Bengal in Cooch Behar Thursday morning and after a two-day break would restart from Jalpaiguri with a padayatra and continue through Bihar and Jharkhand.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh mentioned the yatra's upcoming schedule, including public rallies and padayatras addressed by Rahul Gandhi. Ramesh elaborating on the plan said that on January 29, the yatra will reach Araria in Bihar and will remain in Bihar's Araria, Purnia and Kishanganj on January 30, where Gandhi will address the public and then return to West Bengal at night. Yatra will cover Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum districts on January 30 and 31, after which it will go to Jharkhand.
He extended an invitation to Banerjee to join the yatra, emphasizing the common goal of defeating the BJP and the importance of her participation in the opposition alliance against communal forces.
