Elections can be won with hatred, but nation's problems can't be solved with that: Rahul Gandhi
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 12: Elections can be won with hatred, violence and anger, but these cannot solve the socio-economic problems facing the country and the BJP has proven this, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed on Monday as the Bharat Jodo Yatra led by him concluded its second day in Kerala.
Buoyed by the encouraging turnout of people, whose numbers increased as the march progressed during the day, lining the streets and joining the procession in thousands, Gandhi attacked the BJP by alleging that the saffron party has proved that hatred can be used politically and to win polls, but cannot generate employment.
He further claimed that an atmosphere of anger and hatred is being generated in the country by a particular ideology which is directly opposed to the spirit of working together and harmony in Kerala and without such a spirit India cannot achieve anything.
"You can win elections with hatred, violence and anger, but you cannot do anything for the country with that. That is what BJP has proven. But you will not solve the problem of unemployment or that of high prices with anger.
"It cannot be done," Gandhi said addressing a crowd of thousands at Kazhakoottam here where the yatra ended for the day after completing 100 kilometers since September 7 when it commenced from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu to traverse 3,570 kilometers and reach Jammu and Kashmir.
Gandhi, who is also the MP from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat from Kerala, said that a leader has to accept that the wisdom lies with the people and the next step is to "listen and understand" what they are saying.
However, conversation and the voice of the people have been silenced in India as the press was saying what the government of the nation wants it to say and that is due to the pressure brought on the owners of media organisations by the ruling dispensation, he alleged.
"We understand they (press) are scared to say what the truth is. That is why the Bharat Jodo Yatra's aim is to listen to the people and from that conversation develop a vision for India.
"A vision rooted in your traditions, your past and ideas of your great leaders. But it would be a vision which looks into the future, into the 21st century and imagines what a prosperous Kerala or India would look like."
But before doing any of that, first the hatred and anger that the BJP is allegedly spreading in society has to be countered, he contended.
"India's dream is broken, not scattered. To realise that dream, we are bringing India together. 100 kms done. And, we have just begun," Gandhi tweeted at the end of the day's yatra.
Earlier in the day, in a Facebook post, Gandhi said, "As the journey progresses, people are joining us, there is hope in their eyes, they want to tell us something. We are also trying to listen to as many people as possible.
"... we understand that they are joining us with hope. It is our duty to live up to their expectations and secure the future of the country."
After the first leg of the day's march ended at Pattom here, Gandhi paid tributes at the Martyrs' Column in Palayam, met eminent personalities and religious leaders of Kerala, distributed prizes to winners of the Jawahar Bal Manch painting competition and interacted with the children there and offered prayers at Chattampi Swami temple at Kannammoola in the state capital.
He also met a delegation of the fisherfolk who have been protesting outside the gates of Vizhinjam port here since August 16 raising various demands such as stopping of the construction for fresh studies, increase in kerosene subsidies or its availability at cheaper rates, housing and education.
After meeting him, one of the priests of the Latin Archdiocese, which is leading the protest, told the media that they have given in writing their problems and concerns to Gandhi who perused the same and asked the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee to indicate its stand on the issue in the coming days.
"The discussions were fruitful. We expect a favourable response from KPCC," the priest said.
The second leg of the yatra resumed at around 5 PM and during the march Gandhi also took a short tea break at a roadside eatery where he enjoyed banana chips and other snacks along with the senior Congress leaders accompanying him.
After the yatra concluded for the day at Kazhakoottam, AICC general secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh tweeted that that the Bharat Jodo Yatra has completed exactly 100 kms and it has "rattled, unnerved and disturbed the BJP, whereas the Congress party has already been refreshed 100-fold. Every step we walk renews our resolve!"
The 150-day foot march was launched from Kanyakumari in neighbouring Tamil Nadu on September 7 and will cover 12 states and two Union territories.
As Gandhi commenced his walk from Vellayani junction here this morning, he said in a Facebook post that "Every morning fills me with hope and conviction that a better tomorrow awaits India and our young generation. Everyone for India, Every step for India."
The Bharat Jodo Yatra, which entered Kerala on Saturday evening, will traverse through the state covering 450 kilometres, touching seven districts over a period of 19 days before entering Karnataka on October 1.
The first day of Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kerala, where the party has a significant cadre base and followers, had also seen a huge turnout.
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Rajnath, Shah, other Union ministers change social media profile photos to 'Op Sindoor' logo
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other top ministers on Thursday changed the display pictures on their social media profiles to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor following a call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The prime minister, earlier in the day, shared a digital poster depicting the now widely recognised logo of Operation Sindoor and urged others to do the same as a mark of respect to the armed forces.
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, with Indian forces conducting precision strikes on multiple terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK).
After launching the military operation, the Indian Army, in a post on X, at 1:51 am on May 7 had said, "Justice is served. Jai Hind!"
On its first anniversary, the Indian military on Thursday said, Operation Sindoor -- "precise in action, eternal in memory" -- reflected the country's determination to defend its sovereignty with courage, coordination and strength.
The Army, the Navy, the Indian Air Force, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and the defence ministry also updated the display pictures on their social media profiles to mark the anniversary.
Defence Minister Singh, while updating his profile photo on X, said Operation Sindoor stands as a "powerful symbol" of national resolve and preparedness, and that their actions reflected unmatched precision, and set a "benchmark" for modern military operations.
"On the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, we salute the valour and sacrifices of our armed forces, whose courage and dedication continue to safeguard the nation. Their actions during the operation reflected unmatched precision, seamless jointness and deep synergy across services, setting a benchmark for modern military operations," he wrote.
"Operation Sindoor stands as a powerful symbol of national resolve and preparedness, showing that our armed forces are always ready to act decisively when it matters most. It also stands testament to India’s steady advance towards achieving #Atmanirbharta, enhancing capability while reinforcing resilience," he added.
The Ministry of External Affairs, led by its minister Jaishankar, also marked the anniversary, and reasserted and amplified India's diplomatic stand on this operation.
"A year ago, #OperationSindoor demonstrated the nation's resolve to defend itself against cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. With its decisive actions, India ensured accountability for terrorist actions. And underlined that such a serious threat to peace and security will be effectively countered. Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi, India stands strong and determined to convey a message of zero tolerance for terrorism," the EAM posted on X.
Earlier in a separate post, Jaishankar too changed his profile picture and posted an image of the Operation Sindoor logo on the timeline.
Home Minister Shah, in a post on X, said, "Operation Sindoor stands as an epochal mission of India that will always remind our enemies of the infallible striking power of our armed forces."
After Indian forces had launched the operation in the early hours of May 7, Pakistan later also launched offensives against India, and all subsequent counter-offensives by India were also carried out under Operation Sindoor.
The military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, lasting nearly 88 hours, halted after they reached an understanding on the evening of May 10.
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi and Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil too updated their profile photos.
The Indian Army in an early morning post wrote, "#OperationSindoor India's resolute response calibrated and precise. Committed to safeguarding sovereignty and its people. #JusticeServed Jai Hind".
It also shared a video clip encapsulating the circumstances that led to the decisive military action in the early hours of May 7 last year, as well as some footage offering a glimpse to the military might of India.
"India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers," PM Modi had earlier said in his address, whose excerpt is part of the widely shared clip.
Recalling the military action launched on the intervening night of May 6-7, the Indian Air Force put out the anniversary post on X at 1:05 AM.
"Operation Sindoor Justice served. Precise in action, eternal in memory-Operation Sindoor continues. India forgets nothing-India forgives nothing. #operation #Sindoor #operationsindoor #IAF," the IAF posted.
The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) also posted the anniversary message at 1:05 AM, saying, "Symbol of national resolve #OpSindoor JAI HIND #OpSindoor #indianarmedforces #NationalSecurity".
The Indian embassies in the US, the UK, Spain, France, Germany and Italy also updated their display pictures on their social media profiles.
The embassies in France, Germany, Spain and Italy posted on X in French, German and Italian, amplifying the message of the Indian leadership on Operation Sindoor's anniversary in the respective countries.
The Indian Embassy in the UK posted on X, "One year of #OperationSindoor A tribute to India’s resolve, unity, and unwavering stand against terrorism. Saluting the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces who protect the nation with pride and honor. #OpSindoor #IndiaAgainstTerrorism #IndianArmedForces #NationalSecurity #IndiaFirst #SaluteOurForces #JaiHind #OperationSindoorContinues".
The Indian embassy in Israel also changed its profile photo on X and reposted PM Modi's post, and the X account of the embassy in Iran too changed the display picture to the logo of Operation Sindoor.
The Indian Navy in an early morning post on X said Operation Sindoor reflected India's determination to defend its sovereignty with courage and strength.
"Nation's Resolve. Forces United In moments that test a nation's will, the Indian Defence Forces stand united - resolute in purpose, precise in action and unwavering in commitment. #OperationSindoor reflects India's determination to defend its sovereignty with courage, coordination and strength. #OpSindoor #NationFirst #IndianNavy @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @IAF_MCC," the Navy posted and changed its profile photo.
