Chief of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday known as for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, arguing that the area’s id and sources have been stripped away since its autonomous standing was revoked.
Talking at an election rally in Ramban, Gandhi criticized the present administration, stating, “For the primary time in India’s historical past, statehood has been taken away. A state was created, and now it’s been abolished, with the individuals’s rights and sources being snatched away. We should return statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. It isn’t simply your state that is gone; your rights and wealth are being taken from you too.”
He emphasised that the Congress needed statehood to be restored earlier than holding elections, however criticized the BJP for its stance, which prioritizes elections over the statehood concern. “The BJP desires to carry elections first and talk about statehood later. We’re dedicated to pushing for statehood, no matter BJP’s opposition. We are going to put sufficient stress to make sure the individuals of Jammu and Kashmir get their statehood again.”
Gandhi took a swipe on the present administration, likening the current Lieutenant Governor to a ‘king’ who’s misappropriating native sources. He mentioned, “In 1947, we changed kings with democracy and a Structure. Now, there is a ‘king’ in Jammu and Kashmir, who’s taking your cash and giving it to outsiders. Our first step might be to revive statehood.”
The Congress chief additionally drew a distinction between his get together’s imaginative and prescient and the BJP’s strategy. “This election is about two ideologies: hatred, violence, and worry on one aspect, and love and respect on the opposite. Our Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir embodied our message of spreading love in a market of hatred. The BJP divides; we unite.”
Gandhi additional criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategy, saying, “Earlier than the Lok Sabha elections, Modi strutted with a puffed chest, however now he’s bowed down. This time, earlier than getting into Parliament, he positioned the Structure on his brow.”
Wanting forward, Gandhi promised to deal with unemployment if Congress involves energy, stating, “When our alliance authorities takes over, we are going to prioritize filling all authorities vacancies, prolong the age restrict to 40 years, regularize every day wage employees, and lift their incomes. We intention to run a authorities that features everybody and respects all.”
He additionally expressed his admiration for the area, joking about his quick go to, “This place is so stunning, I want I might keep longer. You’ve scheduled a 45-minute program, however I’d like to be right here for 2-Three days to see extra of this pretty place and its individuals.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Meeting elections, scheduled to be the primary for the reason that abrogation of Article 370, will happen in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with votes counted on October 8. The meeting has 90 constituencies, together with reserved seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
