In a strong assertion of intent, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and former AICC president, declared today that his party, in collaboration with the INDIA bloc, is committed to restoring Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Addressing large rallies in Sangaldan, Banihal constituency, and Dooru, Anantnag, Gandhi criticized the current administration and underscored his party’s resolve to prioritize J&K’s return to Statehood.
Gandhi, accompanied by AICC General Secretary Bharatsinh Solanki, JKPCC Chief Tariq Hameed Karra, and party candidate Vikar Rasool Wani, expressed confidence that the Congress-led alliance government will be in place by next month, asserting that it will ensure the restoration of J&K’s Statehood.
“We had advocated for the restoration of Statehood before the Assembly elections, but the BJP preferred to conduct the elections first,” Gandhi said. “Regardless of the BJP’s stance, we will pressure the government, under the INDIA alliance banner, to restore Statehood. This is crucial as J&K’s Statehood was stripped away, an unprecedented move in modern Indian history.”
He criticized the current administration’s handling of J&K, comparing the Lieutenant Governor’s role to that of historical kings, suggesting that the current setup is reminiscent of pre-democratic governance. “We replaced kings with a democratic system in 1947, but now we have a king named ‘LG’ who is misappropriating local wealth,” Gandhi alleged.
Focusing on economic issues, Gandhi highlighted problems such as unemployment and the exploitation of J&K’s resources. He promised that under a Congress-led government, all government vacancies would be filled, the age limit for candidates extended to 40 years, and daily wage workers regularized. He also vowed that electricity generated in J&K would benefit the local population, with free electricity provided within a 5 km radius of hydel power projects.
Gandhi’s speeches also reflected a broader critique of the ruling BJP and its allies. He accused the central government of serving corporate interests, particularly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He claimed that Modi’s government is heavily influenced by corporate billionaires, and he criticized policies like GST and demonetization for harming small businesses.
“Modi’s confidence has been shattered after the recent Lok Sabha elections,” Gandhi asserted. “The opposition’s unity under the INDIA bloc has unsettled him, and the time is near when this government will be removed.” He also criticized Modi’s stance on various issues, including caste-based census and lateral entry systems, and expressed skepticism about Modi’s claims of divine support.
Gandhi ended his remarks with a call for communal harmony and unity, contrasting the BJP’s alleged promotion of hatred with his party’s focus on love and respect. He emphasized the need for J&K to regain its Statehood as a matter of justice and responsibility for all Indians.
In the Dooru rally, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, President of the National Conference, and other senior Congress leaders, including GA Mir and Raman Bhalla, joined Gandhi in his criticisms of the BJP and pledges for J&K.
The Congress party continues to present its vision for Jammu and Kashmir, framing the restoration of Statehood as a critical issue and highlighting their commitment to addressing regional grievances through their alliance.
