The Congress party’s ‘Nyay Yatra,’ a 15-day long march aimed at raising awareness about corruption and various tragic incidents under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled government in Gujarat, is going to conclude on August 23.
The yatra, which covered a distance of 300 kilometres, was launched on August 9 from Morbi and saw participation from Congress leaders, social activists and citizens demanding justice for victims of multiple tragedies.
The yatra was initiated in response to what Congress leaders have termed “fearless corruption” during the three decades of BJP rule in Gujarat.
Shaktisinh Gohil, President of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, emphasised that the campaign’s goal was to seek justice for the victims and ensure punishment for those responsible for the numerous scandals that have plagued the state.
“We have raised critical issues during the padyatra. We have talked to those people who are always unheard. The current government is failing to listen to their issues,” he said.
Throughout the yatra, Congress highlighted a range of incidents, including the Morbi bridge collapse, Vadodara Harni Boat tragedy, Kankaria ride accident and the Takshashila fire incident, among others. These events, according to Gohil, are a pattern of systemic negligence and corruption under BJP leadership.
Gohil said that the yatra received significant support from the people of Gujarat, with large numbers joining the march in various cities including Rajkot, Surendranagar and Viramgam. Protesters carried placards condemning the BJP’s governance and calling for justice for the families affected by various tragedies.
Top Congress leaders including Shaktisinh Gohil, AICC General Secretary and Gujarat in-charge Mukul Wasnik and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh were at the forefront of the yatra. The participation of other notable figures, such as Kisan Congress President Palbhai Ambaliya, Congress Working President and MLA Jignesh Mevani and social activists from across Gujarat, reinforced the party’s message of accountability and justice.
Ongoing Concerns in Gujarat
In addition to addressing past tragedies, the yatra also highlighted ongoing issues such as the illegal liquor trade, rampant sale of drugs and the state’s failure to provide adequate employment opportunities to its youth. Despite Gujarat being a dry state, Congress claimed that millions of litres of liquor were being sold openly, contributing to widespread lawlessness.
“We have seen how BJP’s leadership including ministers are connected with such bootleggers and drug peddlers. BJP worker Vikas Ahir was arrested in Surat in a drugs case. He has previously met and interacted with prominent figures including MoS Harsh Sanghavi, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister CR Paatil,” he alleged.
The yatra also drew attention to the issue of fake government officials and fraudulent government offices, which have reportedly been operating unchecked under the BJP administration. According to Gohil, this has further eroded public trust in governance and exacerbated the state’s challenges.
The Gujarat Nyay Yatra has marked a significant moment for the Congress party, not only as a protest against corruption but also as a campaign for justice for the people of Gujarat.
With the assembly elections approaching in 2027, this yatra has set the stage for a politically charged atmosphere in Gujarat as the Congress looks to capitalise on public dissatisfaction with the BJP’s long-standing rule.
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