Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has initiated his second nationwide outreach program, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, in anticipation of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor has criticized the timing of this yatra, lambasting the advisors of Rahul Gandhi.
In an interview with India Today, Kishor, renowned for his strategic expertise and influential role in successful political campaigns, expressed surprise at Gandhi’s decision to undertake the yatra several months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Kishor emphasized that the timing appeared inappropriate, stating, “Look at whoever is advising them. This could be the worst time for you to leave headquarters and go for a yatra.”
According to Kishor, the yatra should have been conducted much earlier, preferably six months to a year before the elections. He underscored the significance of concentrating efforts on engaging with strategic allies, mobilizing resources, finalizing candidates, and addressing daily challenges. “When you are needed at headquarters, you are in the field. When you needed to be in the field then you were sitting in Delhi. I don’t know who advises them,” remarked Kishor.
The ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,’ which commenced in Manipur on January 14, is slated to cover 6,713 km in 67 days, traversing 110 districts in 15 states, and concluding in Mumbai on March 20. Expressing disbelief at the advisors’ approach, Kishor highlighted the critical timing, particularly in light of losing a key ally in Bihar, referring to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar abandoning the Mahagathbandhan and forming a new government in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
In a separate interview with the Indian Express, Prashant Kishor questioned the logic behind Rahul Gandhi’s yatra from Manipur to Mumbai at this juncture. He criticized the decision to be away from the political epicentre during a crucial time. “At a time when he should be at the centre of where politics happen, he is busy doing a Yatra in the Northeast. Visiting the areas is fine, but deserting the headquarters is definitely not a wise move. I don’t know who is advising him on these issues,” stated Kishor.
Prashant Kishor is currently leading a pad yatra, or foot march, across Bihar under the banner of ‘Jan Suraaj.’ He is expected to announce the transformation of Jan Suraaj, initially a campaign launched in 2022, into a political party.
