Rahul Gandhi Reaffirms Commitment to Restoring Statehood for Jammu and Kashmir

Image Source : Screen Grab / Video / Press Meet / @INCIndia

Dated 22nd August 2024

By B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

Srinagar | Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi, while addressing the media in Srinagar, emphasized the Congress party’s and the INDIA alliance’s priority of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed disappointment that this crucial step was not taken before the announcement of elections but acknowledged the declaration of elections as a positive move forward. Rahul Gandhi reiterated the commitment to ensuring that the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are restored at the earliest.

Rahul Gandhi pointed out that this is the first time in India’s history since independence that a state has been downgraded to a union territory. He highlighted that while union territories have been elevated to statehood in the past, this reversal is unprecedented. The Congress party’s national manifesto clearly prioritizes the restoration of democratic rights to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Expressing his deep connection with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Rahul Gandhi assured them that the Congress Party is always ready to assist in any way possible. He acknowledged the challenges and difficulties faced by the people and expressed the party’s desire to bring an end to violence in the region. He reaffirmed the message he conveyed during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, stating that the Congress Party aims to promote love and harmony in a time filled with hatred.

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, during a media address in Srinagar, strongly criticized the Modi government for downgrading Jammu and Kashmir from statehood to a Union Territory (UT). He highlighted that historically, Union Territories have been elevated to statehood, but this is the first time a state has been reduced to a UT. Kharge pointed out that this decision has led to the absence of key democratic institutions such as the council, assembly and panchayat in the region.

Kharge accused the Modi government of breaking the democratic structure in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in a delay in holding elections. He mentioned that it was only after the Supreme Court’s intervention that elections were finally announced. Despite the Modi government’s attempts to suppress the voice of the people, Kharge emphasized that their efforts would not succeed.

He assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the Congress Party will continue to fight for their rights and will always stand by them in their struggle for justice and democracy.