Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing a massive rally in Jammu on Wednesday, vowed to fight for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s full statehood. He challenged the central government, stating that if statehood is not restored after the elections, his party, along with the opposition INDIA alliance, will protest both inside and outside Parliament.
Rahul Gandhi said, “The 2019 decision to convert Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territories was a grave injustice to its people. In India’s history, such an action—stripping a state of its status—has never occurred. This move goes against the core principles of democracy.”
Third Visit to Jammu and Kashmir in Three Weeks
This was Rahul Gandhi’s third visit to Jammu and Kashmir in the past three weeks. Previously, he toured various parts of the region on September 4 and September 23. During the rally, he reiterated his stance that the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir were unfairly taken away and that his party would do everything possible to restore them.
Priority: Restoration of Statehood
Rahul Gandhi emphasized, “We wanted statehood to be restored before the elections, but that did not happen. Now, our immediate focus is on the assembly elections, and after that, we will pressurize the government to restore full statehood. If Prime Minister Modi doesn’t act, then once the INDIA alliance comes to power, we will return the status to Jammu and Kashmir.”
Direct Attack on Prime Minister Modi
Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “The confidence that Modi once had is now gone. When I stand before him in Parliament, I can clearly see that his self-assurance has diminished.” He accused the BJP of fostering politics based on hate and division. “The BJP is spreading hatred and pitting brother against brother across the country. Wherever they go, they attempt to divide people along caste and religious lines,” he added.
Message of Love Against Hatred
In his rally, Rahul criticized the BJP’s policies, stating, “Hatred cannot be defeated with hatred; it can only be overcome with love. We are opening shops of love in the marketplace of hatred in every state.” He said that their battle is not just political, but ideological, with the BJP on one side spreading hatred, and the Congress on the other promoting unity and love.
Election Strategy and Alliance
Regarding the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi spoke about the alliance between Congress and the National Conference. In this election, Congress is contesting 32 seats, while the National Conference is fielding candidates in 51 seats. On the other hand, the BJP is contesting 62 out of the 90 seats. Rahul Gandhi expressed confidence in the strength of the alliance, saying it would safeguard the interests of the people of the state.
Promise to Restore Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood
Rahul Gandhi declared, “In India’s history, Union Territories have been converted into states, but this is the first time that a state has been downgraded to a Union Territory. This is an attack on the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” He assured the people that his party would do everything in its power to reverse this injustice.
Criticism of Modi Government’s Policies
Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Modi’s policies, saying that demonetization and the flawed implementation of GST had ruined small businesses and affected youth employment across the country. “The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is no different. Young people here are facing unemployment because the central government’s policies have destroyed the economy,” he said.
Details of the Assembly Elections
Jammu and Kashmir is holding its first assembly elections in 10 years. The elections are taking place in three phases. The first phase of voting was held on September 18, followed by the second phase on September 25, and the final phase on October 1. The results will be announced on October 8. Congress and the National Conference are contesting 83 of the 90 seats, with smaller parties and independent candidates fighting for the remaining seats.
Rahul Gandhi’s Commitment
In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the Congress and INDIA alliance would fight to restore full statehood. He said, “We will protect your democratic rights, and if needed, we will take to the streets to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir regains its statehood.”
This statement makes it clear that the Congress stands firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will leave no stone unturned to restore the region’s rightful status.
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