Seeking to place the spotlight on former party president Rahul Gandhi, the Congress' Mehangai Par Halla Bol rally in the national capital on Sunday set the tone for its Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra that begins on September 7, and the elections for the post of party president, the process for which is spread over September and October.
The rally was held just before the Rahul-led Bharat Jodo Yatra kicks off, and it was apparent that the party's effort was to highlight Rahul's challenge to the Narendra Modi dispensation on issues such as inflation, unemployment and farmers' dissatisfaction, while linking these to the overarching theme of the alleged attempts by the BJP-RSS to create a divide in the society.
In his speech, Rahul listed out the main talking points for his party when taking on Modi and the BJP. These include inflation, unemployment, the idea that only a few chosen businessmen have benefited under this regime while the rest have suffered, and the alleged insensitivity of the Modi government to the plights of the common man.
He spoke about the Modi government's alleged efforts to intimidate him, saying the Enforcement Directorate can question him for even five months or five years. “I am not afraid of the ED,” he declared at the rally held at the iconic Ramlila Maidan. The obvious reference was to the National Herald case which is being probed by the ED for alleged money laundering.
Rahul said he and his party members are embarking on the Bharat Jodo Yatra to go amongst the people. He said the party has no option but to go to the people since all the institutions in the country, be it media, judiciary or Election Commission, are under the control of the central government. “The only option left to us was to go to the people, tell the truth about what is happening to the country, to them, and also listen to what is there in their heart.”
The rally also took place at a time when there is intense speculation on whether Rahul will contest the election for the post of party president, the process for which will kick off on September 24, and polling for which is scheduled to be held on October 17. While it is still unclear if Rahul is willing to take back the reins of the party, the rally significantly placed focus on his leadership. For good measure, party workers came to the rally with placards demanding that he should come back as party president.
Besides,, in a space that is fast getting filled up, the Congress is keen to project Rahul as the main challenger of Modi. The rally comes as a teaser to the Bharat Jodo Yatra, and the five-month-long walkathon itself is expected to place the party on course with regard to its preparations for the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
