Rahul Gandhi and Kharge’s High-Profile Visit to J&K
As the elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) approach, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, has embarked on a two-day visit to the Union Territory. This visit is aimed at bolstering support for the Congress party and exploring potential alliances ahead of the crucial Assembly polls.
Congress’s Commitment to Restoring Statehood
During their visit, Gandhi addressed party workers in Srinagar, reaffirming the Congress party’s commitment to restoring statehood to J&K. He stressed that re-establishing statehood is a top priority for the Congress, as it aims to restore democratic rights to the people of J&K. Gandhi pointed out that this is the first time since independence that a state has been downgraded to a Union Territory, a situation that has never occurred before.
He expressed optimism that statehood would be restored soon, even with the elections now underway. “We had anticipated this change would come before the elections, but with the election process now underway, we look forward to the restoration of statehood as soon as possible. Our national manifesto clearly prioritizes the return of democratic rights to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” Gandhi stated.
Criticism of Prime Minister Modi
Gandhi also took the opportunity to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government. He claimed that the opposition’s resurgence, particularly the Congress and the INDIA bloc, has significantly unsettled Modi. “You’ve seen on tv how the Congress and the INDIA alliance have shaken Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s certainty.” We have dented his self-assurance and psychological confidence,” Gandhi asserted. He suggested that Modi’s leadership is faltering in the face of the Congress ideology, which emphasizes love, unity, and respect. Gandhi highlighted that the Congress and INDIA bloc have confronted Modi’s ideology without resorting to violence or derogatory language. “We have shown Narendra Modi that he is not the figure he perceives himself to be,” Gandhi remarked.
Message to J&K’s Youth
In his address, Gandhi appealed directly to the youth of J&K, encouraging them to combat hatred with love and unity. He emphasized that love and affection are the keys to overcoming hatred. ““We must set up a store of love in a marketplace filled with hatred. Hate cannot be overcome with more hate; it requires love and compassion.”. We must collectively defeat hatred with love,” Gandhi urged.
Kharge’s Critique of Modi’s Governance
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also weighed in with his critique of Modi’s governance. He branded Modi a “master of lies” and cautioned individuals not to believe him. “Trusting him will as it were led to your ruin. The Congress party is the only one that can save the country,” Kharge asserted. He echoed Gandhi’s commitment to restoring statehood for J&K and underscored the Congress party’s dedication to working for the welfare of J&K’s residents.
Kharge further highlighted the security situation in J&K under Modi’s rule, noting that there have been 2,350 terror incidents and 377 civilian deaths in the region. He stressed the importance of the upcoming J&K Assembly elections and expressed confidence that Congress would secure 40-45 seats. “Kharge guaranteed that the Congress will work to protect J&K’s land, woodlands, and other resources.”
Alliance with the National Conference
In addition to their public addresses, Gandhi and Kharge also engaged in discussions with National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah. The Congress party is finalizing its preparations for the Assembly elections and is expected to complete a seat-sharing agreement with the National Conference for the 90-seat J&K Assembly. Abdullah confirmed that the pre-poll alliance between Congress and NC is “on track” and is set to be finalized soon. “The meeting was held in a very friendly and cooperative atmosphere. The alliance is progressing well, and we anticipate its final approval this evening,” Abdullah informed reporters. He also confirmed that the alliance would cover all 90 seats, reflecting a significant step towards consolidating opposition strength in the region.
Overall, Gandhi and Kharge’s visit underscores the Congress party’s strategic focus on J&K, aiming to address key issues such as statehood, governance, and electoral strategy while also positioning themselves as a credible alternative to the current ruling party.
