It's time for yatras in R'than

It is yatra time for the political parties in Rajasthan ahead of Assembly polls.

In an effort to counter the proposed Suraj Sankalp Yatra led by BJP state president Vasundhara Raje on April 4, the ruling Congress announced Congress Sandesh Yatra from March 30 coinciding with the Rajasthan day.

“The Sandesh Yatra will begin on March 30 and cover all the 200 Assembly constituencies in 33 districts. It will be held in phases and is expected to stretch over three months,” said Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Dr Chandrabhan.

He said the first phase is scheduled for two days and will cover the three districts of Jaipur, Dausa and Karauli. It will be flagged off by freedom fighters from RPCC office.

The yatra will conclude with a huge rally in Jaipur and senior leaders like AICC chairperson Sonia Gandhi, vice president Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh are expected to be present.

Present in every rally

Chief minister Gehlot, RPCC chief Chandrabhan and Rajasthan in-charge of party affairs Mukul Wasnik will be present in every rally. Local leaders, legislators, party office-bearers, MPs, and Union ministers will also attend the rally.

“We will hold political rallies at a number of places during Sandesh Yatra. A detailed programme is being drafted by senior leaders. Around 3-4 days will be spent in each region,” Chandrabhan said.

He added that the party will not only make people aware of flagship schemes and achievements of state and UPA governments but also expose the malicious campaign of the BJP.

Suraj Sankalp Yatra

Meanwhile the state BJP leaders have given final touches to the much-awaited Suraj Sankalp Yatra of state president Vasundhara Raje from April 4.

The yatra will also cover 33 districts and 200 Assembly seats covering some major religious places of the Hindus.

Raje will hold 212 public rallies and 1,000 welcome meetings.

The yatra will start from Charbhuja Mandir in Rajsamand district in Udaipur region. All 65,000 party workers, including legislators, MPs, cell in-charges, office-bearers in the state and party workers are expected to participate.

In other regions, the yatra will start from prominent temples of the area.