Grand finale of Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra achieved in snow-capped Kashmir

Srinagar has received its first snowfall of this season. It also tasted its first political tussle ahead of the elections likely soon.

There was heavy snowfall during the grand finale of Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra. While the opposition leaders skipped it and only four opposition parties were present, the stage clearly belonged to Rahul Gandhi. He dressed to make a political point: in the traditional Kashmiri dress Phiran, against a gray background with snowflakes above him. In fact, power dressing has been the hallmark of the yatra, with Rahul Gandhi trying to wear just a T-shirt in the bitter cold of the north. India and a disheveled flowing beard.

But there is much more needed in politics and coordination with the people on the ground. News18 spoke to several people just after the yatra was over. The key is the youth vote that both the BJP and the Congress and regional parties like the PDP and the National Conference are targeting. The government estimates that 25 lakh new voters will be added to the rolls and these are youth and first-time voters. The Congress is hopeful that the yatra can win them over.

“Our voices matter,” says Khubaib Mir, head of the NGO Voice of Youth. It is good that Rahul Gandhi talked about jobs and development, but we here are so wary of politicians who are in power now that it becomes difficult to believe anything they say. On Article 370, he has been a myth. We are seeing many changes now. Simple things like cinema halls open up, it has given us something to do in the evening. When the Center talks about opening of jobs and industries, we have some hope.”

It cannot be denied that Rahul Gandhi’s visit has got some charm on the ground. The crowd swelled amid inclement weather and security barriers. Some out of curiosity, some out of hope, and some because they wanted to see what made this leader different.

Jahangir, who works at Mauli’s Cafe in Baghat, which opened a year ago, said, “It is not easy to walk like this. The fact that someone moved to the valley gives us some hope. We do not trust the PDP and the NC.” Who has been making promises but has failed. Maybe Rahul Gandhi will be different.”

Inayat Adil, a former stone pelter and now a sarpanch in Budgam, says, “I decided to contest the local elections because I was advised by Khubab Mir that it would be a good way to work for the people. Of course, I want elections. But whether Rahul Gandhi can offer a change, I am not sure.”

The right voices have been raised by Rahul Gandhi: from holding a press conference where he took questions only from Kashmiri journalists, lambasting Digvijaya Singh, paying homage to the Pulwama braves and also ensuring that both the regional parties like NC and PDP supported them.

And for identity-hungry Kashmiris, Rahul Gandhi established his identity as a Kashmiri returning home to his roots. It certainly created an intrigue which made many flock to watch him. But will Kashmiris, who are looking forward to the elections, convert Rahul Gandhi’s charm into votes?

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