'Pakistan zindabad' slogans raised at Bharat Jodo Yatra, claims BJP

In a major development, the Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra which is being spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi finds itself in yet another controversy. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday (November 25) alleged that 'Pakistan zindabad' slogan was raised during the march in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh in the presence of Gandhi.

 

 

BJP leader Malviya tweeted a video showing Rahul Gandhi walking along with party supporters, including sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Malviya said the video was first tweeted by the Madhya Pradesh unit of Congress, however, it deleted later.

 

 

 

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband Robert Vadra and their son Rehan were also seen matching steps with Rahul Gandhi on the third day of the yatra's Madhya Pradesh leg.

 

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said strict action will be taken against those raising the slogan. CM Chouhan questioned whether the Congress is working to unite the country (through Bharat Jodo Yatra) or unite those wanting to break the country through.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh responded to the allegations put forth by Malviya and said that the video was doctored. “A video doctored by the Dirty Tricks Department of the BJP is doing the rounds to discredit the highly successful Bharat Jodo Yatra. We are taking the necessary legal action immediately. We are prepared for such tactics, and there will be payback,” he tweeted. 

 

The yatra entered the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Madhya Pradesh on November 23 from Burhanpur district after completing its Maharashtra leg. It will cover 380 km in 12 days in the Malwa-Nimar region of Madhya Pradesh before entering Rajasthan. A large number of tribals reside in this agricultural region.

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