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“I am not intimidated” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in response to a question at a press conference about fear for his safety. The question was prompted by the attack on his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra by BJP workers in Assam, threats from the Chief Minister, and blockades by slogan shouting mobs as the Congress convoy made its way through the state.
Fearlessness, a particular characteristic of this Congress leader, has been on display ever since the second phase of the yatra began from Manipur, a state divided by conflict and in the midst of violence for months now. Polarised violence that always stops security agencies from clearing VIP visits to affected zones, clearly did not stop Rahul Gandhi and his party leaders who have been negotiating difficult territory since the yatra began on January 14.
If the first phase of the yatra was to introduce Rahul Gandhi to the people of India, the second is clearly to consolidate impressions and perceptions, and spell out the agenda before the elections, and bring in ideological content. The Congress leader has said now that there will be five parts to the concept of nyay that will be spelt out by the party shortly. And while he and the party has denied any linkages with the forthcoming general elections, this will form the plank of the Congress campaign.
Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have established five points so far, evident to any one following the yatra closely. Unfortunately the media has blocked this out, as coverage now is determined by political affiliations and directives and not by news in the true sense of the word.
One, the new Congress under Rahul Gandhi that took form in the first stretch of the padyatra is now consolidated. The bonhomie between him and party president Mallikarjun Kharge is evident, with the gestures and conversations in public revealing respect and affection. Other leaders like Jairam Ramesh remain trusted lieutenants on a difficult trip, managing the media and the publicity through the Congress party’s social media team. The coordination is visible, as is the reach the party has acquired through its own efforts outside the media. Even so Rahul Gandhi continues to address press conferences en route, answering all questions without evasion. In fact, even as he tells the media that he does not expect them to cover the yatra or find the space on their channels and publications he speaks to the journalists with respect, often appearing impatient with Jairam’s more brusque approach. There is a cohesion and unity in the party, between the central and state organisations, with leaders at all levels stepping back to give the other space. A new dimension that has been introduced into the otherwise highly hierarchical party.
Two, fearlessness is an integral part of Rahul Gandhi’s personality. He did not close the windows of the bus when it was accosted by BJP workers in Assam. In fact he jumped out to try and reason with them and had to be hustled back by the security personnel. He does not lose his temper, and kept blowing kisses to belligerent BJP mobs. Even when blocked by the police and prevented from visiting a temple in Assam on January 22, he sought to reason with them. He offered to go alone without the team if that would allay law and order apprehensions that the police had cited. He finally sat in dharna sending his colleagues to sort it out, and left when clearances were not given. At the press conference and at meetings he and his party did not hesitate to take on the Assam Chief Minister in strong terms, daring him to arrest them, or stop the Congress movement in the state. As a result the Congress party appeared rejuvenated, and a second alternative political narrative was able to make itself heard in the border state. There was no retreat, at any point., either in words or in action.
Three, the Congress party has stayed with the alternative narrative. Of peace and security and rights and justice. Economic, political and social. This is being stated both from the states where the yatra is passing through, as well as New Delhi where spokespersons are buttressing the arguments alongside. In the process the Congress party is infusing its politics with an ideology for the poor and the victimised, and a stated commitment for rights and justice. When asked about the Ayodhya temple Rahul Gandhi was clear that he was not going to mix religion with politics, and as a political party his aims and objectives remained the above. The focus from the beginning thus has been on the message that the Congress party wants to convey to the people, taking the larger issues and blending them with the local problems and demands.
Four, while this nyay yatra also remains a Congress party effort the reach out to allies will be stronger and more direct. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been bickering about seats in the general elections, insisting that she will not concede more than two Lok Sabha constituencies to the Congress, and not the eight it has asked for. Reporters repeatedly questioned Rahul Gandhi about this and he made two points very clear - one, the talks are going on with all allies, these are not conclusive, but he is sure that these will yield desired results as these constitute a small easily handable part of the larger I.N.D.I.A alliance. And two, he along with Kharge has requested Mamata Banerjee to join the yatra, to be part of it, and all from the Trinamool Congress party are welcome. This is likely to be the refrain, no ego, no hostility, a basic “let's work it out, and work together” approach articulated through the nyay yatra.
Five, the first indications in the north east lap of the yatra will probably be expanded as the nyay yatra weaves its way through the hinterland, including Uttar Pradesh - of a new Congress, a courageous leader, an ideological plank, and a party working together for peace and unity. All in all a major effort to create an alternative narrative .
Whether this will be able to get the support required, and an organisation to turn this support into votes remains of course the million rupee question. But then the Congress party insists that is not the intention of the yatra, just as the BJP is adamant that the inauguration of the Ayodhya temple has nothing to do with politics and the general elections.
