The ‘Desh Bachao Desh Banao Samajwadi Cycle Yatra’ has become a notable presence in Uttar Pradesh as it journeys through the state in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This massive cycling expedition, kicked off from Prayagraj on August 9, has already made a significant impact, covering nine districts in Bundelkhand and eastern UP, accumulating over 2,000 kilometers on bicycles—the symbol of the Samajwadi Party.
Abhishek Yadav, the national president of Samajwadi Lohia Vahini, shared insights into the scope and goals of the yatra during an exclusive conversation with The Indian Express. He revealed that the journey was initiated by Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and highlighted key milestones of the yatra.
The recent stopover was in Sultanpur, and the yatra’s next destinations include Ayodhya district and other locations in eastern UP, such as Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Gorakhpur, Deoria, and Kushinagar. Abhishek Yadav stated that the yatra would subsequently transition from eastern to central UP, with the first phase concluding in Lucknow on the birth anniversary of Mulayam Singh Yadav, the party’s founder.
Structured in two phases, the yatra is scheduled to resume its second leg on December 6, which marks Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s death anniversary. The grand culmination of the yatra is planned at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on January 26.
Throughout its journey, the cyclists are hosting brief events in collaboration with local party workers. These events are designed to address critical issues such as inflation, unemployment, and attacks on the Constitution. Additionally, the privatization of government sectors like education and transport is being discussed as part of the yatra’s agenda, as reported by The Indian Express.
The yatra’s scale is nothing short of ambitious. Abhishek Yadav revealed that the initial phase aims to cover approximately 10,000 kilometers, with an overall target of 25,000 kilometers. He emphasized that the current venture stands as the longest cycle yatra not just in Uttar Pradesh but across the nation.
The Samajwadi Cycle Yatra is poised to play a significant role in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections, addressing pressing issues and garnering attention as it journeys through the state.
