What is the Significance of the Sadbhavna Yatra for National Unity?

Parbhani, May 5 (NationPress) Ramesh Chennithala, the Congress in-charge for Maharashtra, emphasized on Monday that the Congress has launched a Sadbhavna Yatra to promote goodwill and unity across the nation, with plans for similar yatras to follow throughout the state.

He recalled that the late Rajiv Gandhi, a former Prime Minister, was the pioneer of the Sadbhavna Yatra in India. The state Congress leader, Harshvardhan Sapkal, has initiated this latest yatra in Maharashtra, which has already prompted a resignation from a minister in the Mahayuti government.

Chennithala also highlighted that the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has voiced concerns over the injustices faced by Somanath Suryawanshi and Vijay Wakode.

“Despite three months passing, the government has not taken any action against Suryawanshi's murderers. Chief Minister Fadnavis has remained silent, leading to a breakdown of law and order in the state,” he remarked.

“LoP Rahul Gandhi has raised the issue of a caste census for social justice, which would greatly benefit backward and marginalized communities. Although the BJP and PM Modi initially opposed it, they eventually had to concede,” he added.

“The public’s trust in the Union government is dwindling. Although the Women's Reservation Bill was passed, it remains unimplemented. Similarly, while a decision was made on the caste census, no timeline has been shared for its execution,” he stated.

Harshvardhan Sapkal pointed out that due to LoP Gandhi’s unwavering stance regarding the caste census, the Centre was compelled to relent.

“The Maratha reservation issue could be resolved with a caste census, potentially increasing the current 27 percent reservation for OBCs to 65 percent. The BJP is fostering division among castes, making it essential for the Bahujan community to unite during these challenging times,” he asserted.

Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar remarked that the Sadbhavna Yatra is designed to build bridges and unite different communities.

“The BJP's attempts to dismantle the Congress have become habitual. They may be breaking other parties, but we will retaliate when the time is right. While some members depart, it's crucial to forge your own path instead of following others,” he cautioned.

Former Minister Naseem Khan noted that despite personal risks, Rahul Gandhi has undertaken a national march, asserting that the Congress always steps forward when national crises or social harmony are threatened.

“With the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh and the police custody death of Somanath Suryawanshi, the BJP-led government remains indifferent. Rahul Gandhi visited Suryawanshi’s family in Parbhani. The Congress is committed to safeguarding the Constitution and democracy, ensuring harmony and justice for all castes and religions,” he stated.

MP Chandrakant Handore emphasized, “Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar bestowed upon us the world’s most revered Constitution, which guarantees equal rights. However, the BJP's intention is to supplant it with the Manusmriti. To enhance goodwill in the country, Congress is conducting the Samvidhan Bachao Yatra and Sadbhavna Yatras.”

MP Praniti Shinde highlighted that when a terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, LoP Gandhi prioritized visiting the victims’ families, contrasting with Prime Minister Modi's focus on campaigning in Bihar.