Bharat Jodo Yatra enters Karnataka, Rahul holds huge rally in Gundlupet

BENGALURU: The Bharat Jodo Yatra of the Congress, being led by Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi, entered Karnataka at Gundlupet on Friday after traversing through Kerala.

Rahul Gandhi’s convoy arriving at the Karnataka border.

In Karnataka, the Yatra will go on for 21 days covering 511 km through seven districts including Chamarajanagar, Mysuru, Mandya, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Ballari and Raichur.

Rahul Gandhi and KPCC president D K Shivakumar gettnig on to the state in Gundlupet.

Rahul Gandhi with Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar.

State Congress president D K Shivakumar and Opposition leader Siddaramaiah were scheduled to receive the Yatra at the Kekkanahalli checkpost. But when the Yatra arrived there a little ahead of schedule, the state leaders had not yet reached and the Yatra moved on.

Rahul Gandhi receiving the Tricolour from a Tamil Nadu Congress office-bearer.

Finally, Siddaramaiah received the Yatra in the Bandipur forest. The two leaders then had breakfast at a private resort. From there, Rahul Gandhi took a car to the public meeting venue.

Writer Devanoor Mahadev presenting a copy of the Constitution to Rahul Gandhi.

A massive function was organised to welcome the Yatra. Rahul Gandhi was also given a grand traditional welcome by the state Congress unit near the Ambedkar Bhavan in Gundlupet. A crowd of more than 25,000 people was present to welcome the yatra.

Rahul Gandhi beating the drums along with Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah.

On the stage, Rahul Gandhi held both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah’s hands and beat the drum. He also got them to water a potted plant together.

Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar watering a plant together.

Writer Devanoor Mahadev presented him with a book while several other progressive writers have extended support to the Yatra.

Food arrangements had been made for about 20,000 people.

Rahul Gandhi also addressed a public meeting and after traversing 4 km, interacted with some tribals and families of those who had died due to oxygen shortage during the second wave of Covid-19 at the Chamarajanagar government hospital.

Food arrangements had been made for more than 20,000 people. The Yatra then covered another 16 km to reach Begur, where the Yatra will halt overnight.