SRINAGAR: On Thursday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Party President Mallikarjun Kharge engaged with party members in Jammu and Kashmir, a region set to face crucial elections. Gandhi, who also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, stressed the importance of restoring statehood and ensuring proper representation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir within the Union Territory.
“You are not merely party workers; you are family. As soon as we learned that elections were imminent, our priority was to come here to Jammu and Kashmir. We want to convey a strong message that for us, the representation and statehood of the people of this region are of utmost significance,” Gandhi declared during his speech in Srinagar on the second day of his visit.
Later, during a press conference, Kharge emphasized that “Rahul Gandhi is committed to contesting the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir in a unified manner, alongside the broader opposition.” He added, “The BJP is frustrated. The INDIA Alliance has successfully challenged them, forcing a joint parliamentary committee to reconsider some of their proposed bills.”
Kharge criticized the BJP for failing to fulfil its pre-election promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, we pledge to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and will fight relentlessly for this cause. The BJP downgraded Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a Union Territory, stifling democracy here when they should have been its protectors,” Kharge asserted.
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Addressing the media, Gandhi reaffirmed the Congress Party’s and the INDIA Alliance’s commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as swiftly as possible. “This issue is a top priority for us, and we had anticipated it would be resolved before the elections. We remain hopeful that statehood and democratic rights will soon be reinstated. This is the first time in the history of our independence that a state has been reduced to a Union Territory,” Gandhi said.
“Our national manifesto clearly states that restoring the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is a priority. My message to the people of this region is that Congress stands with you during these challenging times,” he added.
Gandhi also highlighted his desire to replace division with unity, stating, “In the marketplace of hatred, we want to open a shop of love.”
Gandhi, Kharge, and other senior leaders are on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to evaluate the party’s preparedness for the upcoming assembly elections and to explore a potential alliance with the National Conference (NC). The delegation is scheduled to travel to Jammu on Thursday afternoon.
In an interaction with All India Congress Committee (AICC) members in Srinagar, Kharge emphasized Gandhi’s deep-rooted connection to Jammu and Kashmir, appealing to voters for their support in safeguarding the nation’s culture and citizens’ rights.
“If we secure victory in Jammu and Kashmir, it will resonate across the entire nation. As Rahul Gandhi mentioned, his connection to this region is more than just an affiliation; it’s a bond by blood. We trust that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will stand with us in the upcoming elections,” Kharge remarked.
Kharge further accused the BJP of manipulating election timings to suit their agenda. “Their frustration is solely directed at Congress because we are the only party that poses a formidable challenge. Rahul Gandhi is the only leader with the courage to stand up to them. We need your votes to save the country, to preserve your culture, and to protect your rights,” Kharge concluded.