'If All's Well In J&K, Why Can't Amit Shah Walk Till Lal Chowk': Rahul Gandhi Ahead Of Bharat Jodo Yatra Finale

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi also unfurled the national flag at the historic clock tower of Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the party saw the strength and resilience of the people of India during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and said he has high hopes that the foot march will have an impact on the politics of the country.

Addressing a press conference on the eve of the culmination of Bharat Jodo Yatra in Srinagar on Sunday, Rahul Gandhi said, “Bharat Jodo Yatra received a great response in the country. We saw the resilience and strength of the people of India during this journey. We also got to hear about the issues being faced by farmers, and unemployed youth in the country.”

Speaking on the tension between India and China, he said, “Government's approach of denying that Chinese have taken our land is extremely dangerous. I think we need to deal with China firmly, we are not going to tolerate them sitting on our land.”

Speaking on the Opposition unity before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi said, “Bias has creeped into media. It is not giving enough space to Opposition and is twisting issue.”

“Opposition parties may have differences but will stand united against RSS-BJP,” he added.

“Bharat Jodo Yatra gave an alternative vision to BJP-RSS narrative of hate and arrogance. Statehood and restoration of democratic process in Jammu-Kashmir are fundamental and very important and I am not happy with what I see in Jammu-Kashmir. I come here with open heart and open arms to help in the way I can,” the senior Congress leader said.

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi also unfurled the national flag at the historic clock tower of Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar, as part of the Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina said, "After 70 years, a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family has remembered to hoist the Tricolour at Srinagar's Lal Chowk. PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah get the credit for the fact that Rahul Gandhi could hoist the national flag there amid peace and brotherhood."

It is to be noted that the yatra, that kicked off from Kanyakumari on September 7 last year, reached Srinagar this morning after covering a distance of 4,080 kilometres and 75 districts spread over 14 states and union territories of the country.