Attempts to unite the faction-ridden Haryana Congress have been initiated in the wake of party leader Rahul Gandhi participating in the statewide Sadbhav Yatra being led by former MP Brijendra Singh.
Interacting with mediapersons at the residence of former Haryana minister Capt Ajay Singh Yadav in Rewari, Brijendra said the yatra had been receiving overwhelming support throughout the state and had also been appreciated by Rahul Gandhi.
Responding to a query, the Congress leader said the yatra would culminate in Rohtak (the hometown of former Haryana Chief Minister and state Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda), adding that Hooda would be invited for the culmination ceremony.
“We are yet to cover five Assembly constituencies, including Pataudi, Badli, Beri, Garhi Sampla-Kiloi and Rohtak, following which the yatra would culminate in Rohtak,” Brijendra said.
Factionalism within the Haryana Congress has surfaced during the yatra, with leaders of some camps supporting the event while others have stayed away.
Before Rahul Gandhi participated in the yatra, Hooda had termed it as a “private programme”. In this context, Brijendra’s statement of culminating the yatra in Rohtak and inviting Hooda assumes significance.
“The yatra is aimed at strengthening the Congress and connecting with residents of the state. Since Rahul Gandhi has acknowledged it, all party leaders should participate in it,” said Capt Yadav.
Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to the citizens to not purchase gold and avoid foreign travel, Capt Yadav said the Prime Minister should practise what he preaches.
“The Prime Minister is telling people not to travel abroad, while he himself is scheduled to go on a foreign tour on May 15. Whenever the nation faces any crisis, the Prime Minister and the government should first implement such measures themselves before expecting sacrifice and cooperation from the people,” he said.
Capt Yadav said people had always stood with the government during difficult times.
“The public is always ready to make sacrifices in the national interest, but the government should also understand the struggle and sufferings faced by common citizens,” he said.
He also expressed apprehension that the Prime Minister’s remarks could be aimed at preparing the ground for a future hike in petrol and diesel prices.
The Congress leaders alleged that the BJP government was engaged in rhetoric and propaganda politics while people continued to struggle with inflation, unemployment and financial crisis.
