NEW DELHI, DEC 24 : Congress president Mallikaarjun Kharge on Saturday categorically said that the party’s ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra-led by MP Rahul Gandhi was not for any “political gain”, and it raises issues concerning the public.

“Bharat Jodo Yatra is not for any political gain. It is to raise voice against issues like inflation and unemployment, and against Chinese incrusions,” the Congress chief said in his address as the the Bharat Jodo Yatra reached the iconic Red Fort here.

On Winter session of Parliament, which concluded on Friday, Kharge said,”We tried our best for a debate on inflation , unemployment and India-China border situation, but the government didn’t allow.”

Recalling former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure, the Congress chief said, “Jawaharlal Nehru had agreed for a discussion on China in Parliament during his tenure. The Congress governments during its regime had never hidden anything to the public. But, this government did not hold any debate in Parliament.”

Referring to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s letter to the Congress MP to follow the Covid-19 norms or suspend the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress chief said, “By seeing the massive success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the BJP got scared. Therefore, it has brought Covid excuse.”

He added, “There is no Covid anywhere. This is done to scare people. They are trying trying to break this Yatra. We will not be cowed down. Rahul Gandhi will continue his Yatra.”

Kharge who has been accusing the BJP-led government at the Centre of divisive politics , said, “There is a government in Delhi which is diving the public and society in the name of religion. Now, it is also snatching the freedom of speech and expression.”

Wayanad MP, senior party leaders and actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan were also present.(UNI)