Srinagar, Sep 23 (KINS): In a rally held in Srinagar as part of the Assembly election campaign, Leader of opposition and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a passionate speech, focusing on the pressing issues in Jammu and Kashmir and his party’s vision for the future.
Gandhi, in a direct reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated that the “56-inch chest” rhetoric that once dominated political discourse has shifted.
“The mood of the nation has changed,” Gandhi said, emphasizing the role of the INDIA alliance in countering what he called the divisive politics of the BJP.
“For the last ten years, wherever Modi or the BJP went, they created fights among people, but we, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, are spreading love where they have sown hate.”
Touching on the unique political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Rahul Gandhi expressed his concern over the region’s status as a Union Territory.
“Never before in India’s history has a state been turned into a Union Territory. Your democratic rights were taken away,” he said, adding that the Congress and the INDIA alliance are committed to restoring full statehood to J&K.
“We wanted it done even before the elections, but it couldn’t happen. First, we will put pressure on the BJP. If they don’t give it back to you, we will.”
He also highlighted the economic struggles faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly pointing out the closure of the iconic HMT factory under Modi’s government.
Gandhi contrasted the government’s priorities, accusing it of waiving off loans for a few rich individuals while ignoring the needs of the poor.
Unemployment was another central theme of his speech. “Youth across the country, and especially here in Kashmir, are struggling for jobs,” Gandhi said.
He criticized the BJP government for taking away local decision-making powers, stating that local MLAs used to make key decisions about colleges and universities, but now “outsiders” were running the affairs of the region under a Lieutenant Governor.
“We want the people of Jammu and Kashmir to choose their own government and make their own decisions,” he added.
In closing, Gandhi made a strong appeal to the voters, promising that the Congress manifesto would focus on employment generation and that 100,000 jobs would be created. “But the most important issue is your statehood. We promise it will be given back to you. Vote for our candidate and help us bring justice to Jammu and Kashmir,” he concluded, receiving cheers from the crowd.(KINS)
