The Congress party in Gujarat is set to launch the second phase of its mass outreach program, the 'Jan Akrosh Yatra', in the crucial region of Central Gujarat. This comes on the heels of what the party claims was a successful first leg in North Gujarat.
Strategic Route with Historical and Religious Significance
The 1400-kilometer march is scheduled to commence on December 20, 2025, from the Bhathiji Maharaj Temple in Fagvel, located in Kheda district. This starting point holds deep political symbolism, as it is the same temple from where the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi launched the BJP's statewide 'Gujarat Gaurav Yatra' back in 2002.
The temple itself is a significant site of communal harmony, dedicated to Bhathiji Maharaj, a figure revered for sacrificing his life to protect cows. It attracts devotees from both Hindu and Muslim communities and is particularly worshipped as a family deity by the Kshatriya Thakor community.
The yatra will traverse through seven districts of Central Gujarat: Kheda, Anand, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Panchmahal, Mahisagar, and Dahod. It will cover 55 talukas and 37 municipal areas before concluding on January 6, 2026.
Conclusion at a Revered Tribal Site
The journey will find its culmination at Kamboi Dham in Dahod, the samadhi place of Shri Govind Guru. Govind Guru, born Govind Giri Banjara, was a prominent social and religious leader as well as a freedom fighter for the tribal communities, passing away in 1931. This endpoint is carefully chosen to resonate with tribal voters.
It also follows in the footsteps of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who visited this very site during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in March 2024, underscoring the party's continued focus on tribal outreach.
Raising Public Grievances and Alleging Corruption
Announcing the yatra at the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) headquarters, Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in Ahmedabad, state party president Amit Chavda outlined its objectives. He stated that the yatra aims to highlight the problems specific to Central Gujarat and expose what the Congress calls "corruption in the area."
Chavda emphasized that the 'Jan Akrosh Yatra' is not an election campaign but a movement to amplify public voice. "The government collects taxes, but does not listen to the voice of the people. Therefore, people from all sections of society should join this march," he urged.
He claimed the first phase, covering 1300 km in North Gujarat between November 21 and December 3, received widespread support, with people expressing anger against "corruption, mismanagement, discrimination and injustice" during the BJP's long rule in the state.
Echoing these sentiments, Leader of the Opposition Tushar Chaudhary accused the state government of failing to fill lakhs of vacant government posts, thereby exploiting youth through contractual jobs. He said the yatra will raise issues like the demand for a complete farm loan waiver, shortages of fertilizers and seeds, the illegal liquor and drug trade, and the need for regular employment for the youth.
The party plans interactive programs with farmers, women, unemployed youth, small traders, and laborers. Key issues on the agenda include problems of cattle breeders, alleged corruption in dairy cooperatives and schemes like Nal se Jal and MGNREGA, injustices to tribal communities, and persistent problems related to drinking water and irrigation.
