Congress leader Rahul Gandhi unfurled the national flag in front of the iconic Charminar during Bharat Jodo Yatra, over 32 years after his father and then party chief Rajiv Gandhi had started the ‘Sadbhavna Yatra’ from the same spot.
On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi arrived at Charminar to loud cheers and Bharat Jodo slogans with a sea of national as well as party flags dotting the road leading up to Charminar. The Gandhi scion also paid floral tributes to his father Rajiv Gandhi’s photograph on the stage. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, senior leader Digvijaya Singh and Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee chief Revanth Reddy were among those present at the event.
“32 years ago, Papa started his Sadbhavna Yatra from Charminar. He had sacrificed his life for the unity and integrity of India. Goodwill is the most unique value of humanity. I, and the Congress party, will not allow it to collapse in the face of any divisive force,” Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate in a tweet said the fragrance of peace and prosperity has been consistent at Charminar for the last 32 years. The Sadbhavana Yatra was started by Rajiv Gandhi on October 19, 1990.
Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra is currently in its Telangana leg. So far, Rahul Gandhi has sprinted with young boys, danced with dandiya sticks and matched steps for a tribal dance performance, videos of which have gone viral.
The Bharat Jodo Yatra will continue in Telangana till November 7. It will cover a total distance of 375 km in 19 Assembly and seven Parliamentary constituencies in the state before entering Maharashtra.
