Congress plans another Bharat Jodo-like yatra in state on Jan 26

Guwahati: Assam Congress leaders have sided with Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Centre of using Covid as a tool to derail the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Assam PCC, which completed the 835-km state leg of the yatra recently, was planning to launch another yatra across the state from January 26 to touch every household in all panchayats across Assam.
“The way people are coming forward to support the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, the BJP is scared. Whenever the Congress becomes active, Covid concerns come and Covid protocols are imposed. This has been happening for the last two years,” working president of the Assam PCC and North Karimganj MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha told media persons here on Friday.
He alleged that in the name of Covid, the government has prevented opposition parties from conducting meetings but the ruling party continues hosting mega rallies. “If the Covid threat is really there, let's implement the protocols without bias, restricting all from political activities,” Purkayastha said, adding, “The BJP is concerned at the image of Rahul Gandhi that has completely changed after the launch of the yatra. People want him to lead.”
Senior Congress leader and leader of opposition Debabrata Saikia said the alarm by the government over a fresh spike in Covid cases in China may be a conspiracy since the Bharat Jodo Yatra is set to reach Delhi soon. "They (BJP) thought the yatra would fizzle out by the time it reaches Delhi. But Bharat Jodo is going strong,” Saikia added.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government has not adopted a vindictive approach against Bharat Jodo Yatra but he appealed to Congressmen to be cautious about the surge. “As per the government’s stance on Covid, Bharat Jodo, Assam Jodo, everything is allowed. But when 50,000 to 60,000 people come out together, they should follow the rules and be cautious. It’s good for them only,” said Sarma.