As part of his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' Congress leader Rahul Gandhi entered Jharkhand on Friday, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had attempted to overthrow the elected government in the state. Addressing a gathering in Jharkhand, Gandhi expressed gratitude for the people's resistance against the BJP's "conspiracy".
"In Jharkhand, the BJP made vigorous attempts to destabilise the democratically elected government. However, you courageously thwarted this BJP conspiracy. Sincere thanks for your cooperation! We are undaunted by the BJP," said Rahul Gandhi, as reported by news agency PTI.
Continuing his criticism of the BJP, he asserted that 'injustice' prevails against millions of people in India. "In contemporary India, the youth face unemployment due to Narendra Modi's implementation of demonetisation and GST, which has adversely affected small businesses. That's why we are on this journey to engage with you on economic and social justice," he added.
He emphasised that wherever the BJP fosters an atmosphere of animosity, the Congress and its alliance partners open a 'Mohabbat ki Dukan' (shop of love).
"This struggle for justice requires public participation. Your support is our strength. Thank you for contributing your strength to the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra," he expressed.
The Yatra arrived in Jharkhand on the day the state welcomed a new chief minister. Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren also joined Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Pakur.
Previously, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, received an enthusiastic reception from the people of the Seemanchal region in Bihar and West Bengal. JMM's Champai Soren was sworn in as the CM of Jharkhand today. He will undergo a floor test within the next 10 days to establish his majority in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha holds 29 seats, its ally Congress has 17 seats, while the RJD and the CPI (ML) each have 1 seat. With the support of 43 MLAs, the I.N.D.I.A bloc has the requisite numbers to pass a floor test.