As the arduous and ambitious Bharat Jodo Yatra winds towards its conclusion, Rahul Gandhi is positioned to project himself as a leader who would end the sense of hopelessness in the country with a political agenda woven around equality, justice and prosperity.
In a letter to fellow Indians that will be distributed across the country by Congress workers from January 26, Rahul has presented himself as a credible alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He has also offered an agenda that seeks to heal the wounds inflicted on the nation by divisive politics and the Modi government’s failure to deliver the promised “achchhe din (good days)”.
The political message from the Yatra, which has attracted huge support countrywide, buttresses Rahul’s claim to lead the Opposition’s challenge to RSS-BJP dominance.
With the message delivered in the first person — “I, aapka apna Rahul (your own Rahul)” — and not on behalf of the Congress party, any speculation about Rahul’s future plans should now be laid to rest.
“This Yatra has renewed my vigour to fight for each one of you. It has been my tapasya,” Rahul says in the letter, released by party communications chief Jairam Ramesh on Friday.
Rahul adds in the letter: “I understand that my personal and political journey is one — to give voice to the voiceless, to be the weapon of the weak, to take India from darkness to light, from hate to love, from suffering to prosperity.”
“I will carry forward the vision and values of those who gave us our extraordinary Constitution,” the letter adds.
About the Yatra, it says: “It was the most enriching journey of my life, and I am overwhelmed by the love and affection that every single Indian has showered on us. I heard intently, to all your stories along the way.”
The letter then describes the challenges ahead: “There is a palpable economic crisis brewing — joblessness among the youth, unbearable price rise, severe farm distress, and a complete corporate capture of the country’s wealth.
“People are worried about losing their jobs, their incomes are falling further, and their dreams of a better future are shattering. There is a deep sense of hopelessness across the country.
“Today, even our plurality is under threat. Divisive forces are attempting to turn our diversity against us — different religions, communities, regions are being pitted against each other. These forces, which are only a handful in number, know that only when people feel insecure and scared can they sow the seeds of hatred for the ‘other’. But after this Yatra, I am convinced that this vicious agenda has its limits, and it cannot go on any longer.”
In the letter, Rahul makes a personal resolve to play a critical role in confronting the current government.
“I will fight to eradicate these evils — from the streets to Parliament, every single day. I am determined to create economic prosperity for everyone — right price for farmers’ produce, jobs for our youth, fair distribution of the country’s wealth, an enabling environment for MSMEs and entrepreneurs, cheapest diesel, a stronger rupee, and a gas cylinder for Rs 500,” he says.
Emphasising the importance of social harmony, he writes: “The people of our country realise that we cannot reach our full potential unless we embrace our diversity and work shoulder to shoulder. I strongly believe that India will reject hatred.
“We will rise above caste, religion, language, gender, and all other differences that cause rifts in society. Our greatness lies in our unity in diversity. My message to each one of you — Daro Mat (Don’t be afraid)! Remove fear from your hearts, and hatred will vanish from within you.”
In the concluding paragraph, Rahul seeks support for the Congress.
“The Congress family has been working tirelessly for 137 years, first to free, then to unite and then further to build this country. We have always brought the country together during difficult times. Today again, our country finds itself in a state of crisis,” he writes.
The letter will be distributed, along with a “chargesheet” against the Modi government, during the Haath-se-Haath Jodo campaign between January 26 and March 26. Thousands of Congress workers will travel door-to-door covering 6 lakh villages and 10 lakh polling booths across the country