Rahul Gandhi Vows to Restore Statehood to J&K, Prioritizes Democratic Rights

Srinagar, August 22: Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, emphasized today that restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) remains a top priority for both the Congress party and the INDIA alliance.

Addressing the media in Srinagar, Rahul Gandhi stated, “Restoring statehood to J&K is our priority, both within the Congress party and the INDIA alliance, and we are committed to achieving this as soon as possible.”

He expressed the party’s hope that statehood would be restored before the upcoming Assembly elections, calling the announcement of polls a positive step in this direction. “We are hopeful that democracy will soon be fully restored,” he added, noting that J&K’s transition from statehood to a Union Territory was unprecedented in India’s history. “I’ve seen Union Territories being upgraded to states, but J&K is a unique case. We have clearly stated in our election manifesto that restoring the democratic rights of the people of J&K and Ladakh is a key priority. My message to the people of J&K is that we are ready to support them in any way we can,” Gandhi said, reiterating his call for love and brotherhood in challenging times.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) President, Mallikarjun Kharge, also spoke, highlighting ongoing efforts to build a broad alliance based on feedback from local leaders. “We are committed to keeping the entire opposition united,” Kharge stated, reaffirming the Congress party’s dedication to restoring statehood.

Kharge criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for failing to hold elections in J&K until pressured by the Supreme Court. “The BJP has not been able to suppress the voices of the people of J&K. The Congress stands firm in its commitment to the welfare of the region,” he said.

He also pointed out the high levels of unemployment in J&K, challenging the BJP’s claims that the abrogation of Article 370 had led to a decline in terrorism. “Contrary to BJP’s tall claims, terrorism has increased and infiltration has risen since the abrogation of Article 370,” Kharge asserted.

Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who arrived in Srinagar late Wednesday afternoon, have since left for Jammu, where they will engage with party leaders and workers.