By Avijit Biswas
Banka, Bihar, India: The Bharat Jodo Yatra of Congress party started in Bihar on Thursday from foot of Mandar Parbat in this district. The yatra was flagged off by Mallikarjun Kharge, congress president. Despite chilly weather condition the beginning of Bharat Jodo Yatra was marked by encouraging presence of party supporters.
Mandar Parbat from where yatra started has religious importance for followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Safa dharma. Mandar Parbat was selected for beginning Bharat Jodo Yatra in state taking note confluence of people at the place having faith in three different religion makes it ideal for the purpose.
The national and state leaders of the party present on the occasion strongly criticized BJP for pursuing politics of religion. The national president of party in his address said the BJP led government at centre is trying to wedge communal divide for political gains.
Kharge was of the opinion that politics of religion and hatred is dangerous for country. Congress has always stood against such divisive trends he said adding huge response of people for Bharat Jodo Yatra indicates people in general do not approve divisive policies.
Kharge spoke about congress policies on the occasion. Congress president said eager for change common masses are looking towards Congress. The other leaders of party who spoke on the occasion mainly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home minister Amit Shah.
Majority of the leaders were of the opinion that party leader Rahul Gandhi has always stood against divisive policies. He has courage to challenge Modi and Shah, they added.
Congress president along with other party leaders visited Papharni pond located at foot of Mandar Parbat before their public address. The Bharat Jodo Yatra after covering approximately 10 kilometer distance is scheduled to halt at Barahat tonight.
