NEW DELHI: Four years ago, on September 7, 2022, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari, marking a major public outreach movement aimed at building connections with the people.
The massive 4,080-kilometre padyatra covered 12 states and two Union Territories over 145 days before culminating in Srinagar on January 30, 2023.
Marking its fourth anniversary, Congress leaders on Monday commemorated the Bharat Jodo Yatra as pivotal and a re-energiser for the party.
The Congress’s official handle on X said the party began the journey “with a simple belief love can conquer hate, and hope can defeat fear,” adding that “thousands of kilometres and countless conversations later, that belief is stronger than ever.”
Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said the Yatra “punctured the Modi regime’s hoax and propaganda” and made people realise there was only one party carrying the message of “love, secularism, equality and Constitutional values” to every corner of India.
“The Bharat Jodo Yatra was a pivotal moment. But our mission is yet incomplete. Let’s take a moment today to reiterate our commitment to saving India from fascists and rebuilding it in the vision of the founders of our great republic,” he said on X.
Congress general secretary in charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh called the Yatra “a transformational event in contemporary Indian politics,” describing it as an ideological challenge to what he called the “systematic RSS/BJP assault on Constitutional principles.”
“It was not to sermonise a Mann ki Baat but listen to Janta ki Chinta. Today we recall that decisive turning point that infused new hope, imparted new energy and inspired a new resolve,” he said on X.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recalled walking alongside Rahul Gandhi when the Yatra passed through Karnataka, saying it reaffirmed the party’s commitment to “being with the people, understanding their needs.”
“The Bharat Jodo Yatra renewed our commitment to the people, and that commitment took shape in Karnataka as the Karnataka Model of inclusive governance, now inspiring several states across India to follow a similar path,” he said on X.
Keralam CM VD Satheesan linked the Yatra to the ongoing “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign, saying the “spirit of unity has grown into an unstoppable force” under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, and expressed confidence that “2029 will bear witness” to change across states.
“Keralam stands resolutely united behind your vision to reform and transform India into a land of justice, equality, and progress for all,” he said.
Congress leader Manikam Tagore recalled the Yatra’s launch from Kanyakumari and his experience during its 13-day passage through the state.
“The Yatra transformed Rahul Gandhi ji into an even stronger people’s leader and transformed the Congress into a movement that once again reached out to the people, listened to their voices and stood with them,” he said on X.
He added that, “India cannot be united through hatred; India can only be united through love.”
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate described the Yatra as “Independent India’s boldest and most tenacious mass movement,” calling it proof of “one man’s quest to unify India” and asserting that “the Yatra continues”.
As the Bharat Jodo Yatra completes four years, Rahul Gandhi’s reflections of that journey continue to resonate, with the leader having credited it for teaching him “the beauty of silence” and how to “truly listen” to the people.
“Each voice has carried wisdom, teaching me something new, and each has represented our beloved Bharat Mata. The Yatra proved that Indians are inherently loving people,” Gandhi had said in 2024, reflecting on the journey’s impact. “When I started this journey I said love will conquer hate and hope will defeat fear, today our mission remains the same to ensure the voice of Bharat Mata, the voice of love is heard in every corner of our beloved country,” he added.
