Birbhum, Feb 2 (UNI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Friday began in Murshidabad on way to neighbouring Birbhum district with some "administrative restrictions" due to Madhyamik examinations, which started this morning, official sources said.
The Yatra, on its 20th day, began, nearly 2 hours late, at 1030 hours at Nabagram in Murshidabad after initial " administrative hiccups," party sources said.
Murshidabad district headquarters Additional Superintendent of Police Majid Khan said owing to the Madhyamik examination, ( class 10 final board exam) permission for miking and rallie was not granted. " However, as per the VIP protocol, we allowed the yatra to move on its path with an adequate security system," the police officer told reporters.
He said they have already informed the Congress leaders that because of the Madhyamik examination, they cannot hold any rally or march. According to the rules, they cannot use sound systems as well.
They were told they can go normally…we are ready with our security,” Khan said.
State Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury alleged the administration refused to allow the use of more than two cars.
" How can we send Rahul Gandhi only with two cars? They can arrest us but please send Rahul Gandhi with due respect.”
Chowdhury added, The Birbhum district police have also denied permission for Congress leader, Chowdhury alleged.
All India Congress Committee General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “We are here not to break any law. Murshidabad and Birbhum district administration requested us to delay the yatra because of the Madhyamik examination. We will respect that.”
In Birbhum, Gandhi was seen interacting with the children and distributed chocolates at Kandhi and proceeded to Bhudik village in Birbhum district peacefully.
Thousands of Congress supporters as well as CPI(M) activists holding party flags greeted the former Congress President along the roads as his four-wheeler moved at a snail pace.
The yatra after reaching Muraroi in Birbhum will cross the border to move to neighbouring Jharkhand.
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