'Bharat Jodo Yatra' Completes Andhra Leg, Rahul Gandhi Says Committed To Grant Special Status To State

Rahul Gandhi said his interactions with diverse groups during the Yatra in Andhra Pradesh brought to light several significant issues impacting the people.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday said he was glad to see the overwhelming response to the party's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' in Andhra Pradesh while asserting that the party was committed to granting special category status to the southern state. 

As the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' completed its Andhra Pradesh leg on Friday, Rahul Gandhi said, "We thank the people for their overwhelming support and encouragement. It has indeed been a memorable experience".

Gandhi said his interactions with diverse groups during the Yatra in Andhra Pradesh brought to light several significant issues impacting the people. "The Congress party is committed to granting special category status to Andhra Pradesh and developing a single capital at Amaravati," he said.

The Wayanad MP said that Congress supported the continued public sector status of the Visakhapatnam steel plant as an asset of the Indian people. "We note that the state government has systematically undermined the Panchayati Raj system in Andhra Pradesh and strongly oppose this assault on democratic institutions. We will also continue to amplify the voices of farmers, youth, women, workers and many other stakeholders," Rahul Gandhi further said.

Rahul Gandhi also recalled the commitments made in 2014 by Parliament to the people of Andhra Pradesh. "These promises to the people of Andhra Pradesh have been made by Parliament, not by one individual or one party. We are determined to ensure that these commitments are met fully and speedily," he said.

"I believe the Bharat Jodo Yatra will be a first step forward in this journey. The Yatra has given us a unique opportunity to listen to peoples’ voices and gain an in-depth understanding of the daily challenges of the people of our great nation,". said Gandhi.

The 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' on Friday re-entered Karnataka, after three days in neighboring Andhra Pradesh. The 44th day of the yatra, which began at Mantralayam temple circle in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh on Friday morning, will end at Yeragera in Raichur district of Karnataka in the evening.

The yatra will march through the rural and urban segments of Raichur district, before entering neighbouring Telangana on October 23 morning.