Raebareli: Starting his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Raebareli, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi targeted the Centre on Tuesday over the Agniveer recruitment scheme, alleging the denial of martyr status to Agniveers.

Rahul's yatra, which commenced from Raebareli's Saaras Chauraha at 3 pm, headed to Harchadanpur and then to Bachrawan before taking the Sultanpur road to Lucknow, where it entered around 6:30 pm. Along the Lucknow-Sultanpur Highway, hundreds awaited Rahul's convoy, showering it with flower petals and raising slogans in his praise.

In Raebareli, Rahul accused Adani Defence of monopolizing defense contracts, claiming that funds meant for Agniveers were being diverted to the company. He expressed frustration over his removal from Lok Sabha and subsequent reinstatement following a Supreme Court ruling, alleging suppression of dissent.

Highlighting the need for a caste census, Rahul emphasized the marginalization of backward classes, Dalits, and Adivasis despite constituting 73% of the population. He criticized media billionaires for neglecting issues faced by farmers and marginalized communities.

Rahul's yatra halted in Lucknow's Banthra area overnight and is scheduled to proceed to Kanpur on Wednesday. Speaking in Lucknow, he reiterated the injustice faced by the poor and emphasized the need for equitable justice in the country.

During his visit to Raebareli, Rahul also met with a UP Police constable exam aspirant, expressing concern over paper leaks in government exams and highlighting the challenges faced by aspirants.

Rahul's remarks underscored the broader issues of social and economic inequality in India, resonating with the sentiments of those he met during his yatra.