Sonia Gandhi hints at retirement, says 'glad that my innings could conclude with Bharat Jodo Yatra'

Raipur (Chhattisgarh), February 25: Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday hinted at her retirement, saying she is glad that her innings could conclude with the party's mass outreach programme 'Bharat Jodo Yatra.' She also described the march as "a turning point" for the party.

The Congress party's 85th plenary session began on Friday in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

"Our victories in 2004 and 2009 along with the able leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh gave me personal satisfaction but what gratifies me most is that my innings could conclude with the Bharat Jodo Yatra, a turning point for Congress," Sonia Gandhi said while addressing the gathering on the second day of Congress' three-day brainstorming session.

She further accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre of subverting every institution in the country.

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"This is a challenging time for Congress and the country as a whole. BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have captured and subverted every single institution in the country. It ruthlessly silences any voice of Opposition. It has caused economic ruin by favouring a few businessmen."

Notably, the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra traversed 12 states and two Union territories in 145 days after its September 7 launch last year, covering 4,080 kilometres.

The yatra concluded on January 30 with an event at the Congress headquarters in Srinagar and a mega rally.

The Congress claimed that the Bharat Jodo Yatra was the longest foot march by any Indian politician in Indian history. According to the party, it has received support from a variety of political parties and social organisations across the country.

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