Having opened its account in the Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat for the first time in a decade, the Congress has hit the streets with the Gujarat Nyay Yatra in a bid to revive itself, create a “larger blueprint” for the 2027 Assembly polls, and take on the government over four recent tragedies in the state.
Commemorating Victims at the Kranti Sabha at Gujarat Nyay Yatra:
Earlier this month, at an occasion to mark the anniversary of the Quit India movement and kick off the yatra, a few family members of the victims of the Morbi Julto Pul suspension bridge collapse fought off tears as they shared the stage with top Congress leaders at the Kranti Sabha. Here, the leaders urged people to “quit the BJP.”
Call for Justice and Inquiry:
Addressing the event, Gujarat Congress working president Jignesh Mevani stated that the kin of the victims of the 2019 Takshashila Arcade fire in Surat, the Morbi suspension bridge collapse in 2022, the Harni boat tragedy in Vadodara in January, and the Rajkot TRP Zone fire in May should receive an inquiry by either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or “non-corrupt state officials.”
Mevani claimed that the victims’ families seek trials in fast-track courts and compensation of Rs 1.5 crore each. He further urged the people of Morbi, Rajkot, and Gujarat to rise against the alleged corruption of BJP leaders.
Leaders at the Forefront of the Gujarat Nyay Yatra:
Mevani, along with Banaskantha MP Geniben Thakor, Congress Seva Dal national president Lalji Desai, and Gujarat Kisan Congress chairman Pal Ambaliya, have been particularly vocal since the Rajkot fire and have taken to the streets. They initiated a three-day hunger strike on June 8 and led an almost complete shutdown in Rajkot city—traditionally a BJP stronghold—on June 25.
The leaders also significantly facilitated the meeting between the victims’ families and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on July 7, culminating in the Nyay Yatra launch on August 9.
Congress’s Assessment of the BJP Administration:
Desai emphasized that the current BJP administration has reduced the state to an environment of injustice and suffering, particularly affecting marginalized groups like tribals and Dalits. Senior BJP leaders often accuse those demanding justice of attempting to disturb peace.
The Congress’s campaign significantly shifts the party’s recent history, attracting considerable public engagement.
Frustration with the Ruling Party:
Prominent voices like Aniruddhsinh Jadeja expressed disappointment at the ruling party’s lack of action after the tragedy. He emphasized that the CM’s engagement with them only occurred after the Congress initiated a fast and facilitated meeting with Gandhi.
Congress leaders perceive the yatra as a demand for justice and a means to prepare for the 2027 Assembly polls. Mevani asserted that it could foster a larger blueprint for future elections, while Desai noted its potential to identify committed party workers.
In the 2022 Assembly elections, Congress recorded its lowest-ever performance, securing only 17 seats amid declining vote share.
Altering Public Perception:
The leaders aim to alter the public perception of Congress as merely an election-time party. They aspire to enlighten marginalized classes regarding the socio-political nexus that has kept the BJP in power.
Mevani refuted the assumptions regarding Congress’s lack of support in Gujarat, citing a consistent vote share even during challenging times.
In response, the BJP dismissed Congress’s moral authority to lead the Nyay Yatra, attributing the party’s loss of power to past corruption during its regime. BJP spokesperson Raju Vallabhbhai Patel underlined that their government has taken measures to ensure justice for victims of the tragedies above.
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