Awantipora: Wearing a sleeveless jacket for the first time during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday resumed his walk from Awantipora in Kashmir. He was accompanied by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and her daughter Iltija Mufti.
Gandhi had to abandon the yatra on Friday due to the ‘security lapse’ in Qazigund, after which Gandhi resumed his yatra. Amid tight security, he can be seen wearing his white T-shirt, green sleeveless jacket and woolen cap. It was their guard against the chilly Kashmiri winter morning where most could be seen in pherans, jackets and multiple layers of clothing. It has already snowed in some parts of Kashmir. However, after walking a kilometer, Gandhi was once again seen without a jacket.
Accompanied by hundreds of security personnel and PDP supporters, the Bharat Jodo Yatra proceeded towards its final destination – Srinagar.
Gandhi’s T-shirts have been talked about, due to the fact that he wore them throughout the journey, regardless of the weather conditions.
BJP minister in Uttar Pradesh Brajesh Pathak Even claimed that Gandhi not getting cold is a matter of research. He claimed that he has discussed this with experts and the report will be made public soon.)
In Jammu’s Kathua, his black raincoat, which was initially mistaken for a jacket, also attracted attention as he wore it during the rain.
While Gandhi said at a press conference earlier this month, “I don’t wear sweaters because I am not afraid of winter,” he said, “I started walking from Kerala.” It was hot and humid. It was a little chilly when we entered Madhya Pradesh. One day three poor girls in tattered clothes came to me and wanted to be photographed. When I hugged one of them she was trembling. That day I decided that the day these children would get the sweater, I would wear the sweater on that day. Unless I’m shivering, I’ll only wear a T-shirt.
The Bharat Jodo Yatra is set to end on January 30 with a massive rally in Srinagar.
(Edited by Smriti Sinha)