Oppn leaders, including ex-CM Manik Sarkar, welcome Rahul Gandhi to Tripura, hail Bharat Jodo Yatra initiative | North East India News
Hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returned to Parliament on Wednesday, Opposition parties of Tripura, including the CPI(M), said the senior leader will be welcomed to the state if he wishes to visit it as a part of his Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Former Tripura chief minister and CPI(M) politburo member Manik Sarkar said, “The initiative taken to foil the attempt to break the country is good. If he (Gandhi) comes to Tripura to unify the country, the people will welcome him.”
He also criticised the BJP-led central government and said there is no improvement in the situation even amid the ongoing second term of the saffron government. “It has rather gotten worse,” Sarkar said.
“People are frustrated with them (the BJP) and it will increase. Their (BJP government’s) pro-people initiatives are separating the people. Our responsibility is to unite the people and make our movement stronger to fulfil the essential demands of the people,” he said.
He alleged that the BJP’s attempt to create a division among the people in the name of caste, creed and religion is destroying democracy and the Indian Constitution. Sarkar urged the people not to revote the BJP back to power in the 2024 general election and to look for an alternate pro-people government.
Citing BJP’s loss at several elections in recent times, Sarkar said the saffron party is moving away from the people. “The frustration is not only among the top brass but also among the workers. They are now doubtful about their future. They have started raising questions about their future,” he said.
Former minister and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman said that the BJP is spreading poison in the country in the name of religion and caste and is running a reign of terror and hatred to reap political dividends.
“A reign of thieves and robbers is currently ongoing in the country. They (the BJP) have chosen the path of division. A state of lawlessness is ongoing in Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. They are spreading the poison of hatred and terror to gain political mileage,” he said.
Barman added, “Rahul Gandhi thinks above all these things. His presence in Parliament will give India a new direction and a roadmap will be created. Democracy will be established with dignity both within and outside Parliament.”
Meanwhile, senior TIPRA Motha leader Animesh Debbarma said, “I heard Rahul Gandhi will come here (Tripura). I request the state government to allow him to conduct his programme democratically. The BJP should show that Tripura has a democratic government. No personal criticism or attack on any leader should happen. The people will take their decision. If someone is working for the people, he should be welcomed.”
Sources in the Congress said Rahul Gandhi’s second phase of the ambitious Bharat Jodo Yatra is likely to happen soon and the senior Congress leader is slated to visit Tripura for two days.