Rahul Gandhi accepted August 5 move by not mentioning Art 370 in statehood demand: Basharat Bukhari
Arshid Farooq
Baramulla, July 20 (KINS): Senior PDP leader and former minister Basharat Bukhari on Sunday said that the Congress party has accepted the August 5, 2019 decision of the BJP-led central government, as its leader Rahul Gandhi demanded the restoration of statehood without mentioning Article 370.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function where newly appointed PDP youth wing office bearers were felicitated, Bukhari stressed the need for political accountability, restoration of statehood, and safeguarding the rights of the people.
On the issue of statehood, Bukhari drew attention to the Congress party’s recent demands and criticized both the Congress and the BJP for what he described as their political double standards.
“Congress now talks about statehood, but when the reorganization happened, they didn’t oppose it with the courage expected of them. Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter seeking statehood but didn’t even mention Article 370. Who stopped him from raising it?” Bukhari asked.
He, however, commended the BJP for having the political strength to act decisively, saying, “They had the majority in Parliament, and they used it. But just because something was done doesn’t mean we stop talking about our rights. Speaking out is not a crime.”
Acknowledging the importance of the opposition, he stated, “A government can only function with checks and balances. The opposition is not just necessary — it is crucial. Today, we reaffirm our role as the people’s voice, even if those in power wish to silence it.”
“We, the people and the youth of Baramulla, pledge to be the voice of the voiceless,” Bukhari said. “Wherever there is injustice, we will raise our voice. We are committed to holding the government accountable and addressing every issue that affects our people.”
Lamenting the cultural and linguistic marginalization of the region, Bukhari added, “Our identity has been tampered with. Urdu is being sidelined, and the people feel uprooted. We are being told who we are, instead of being allowed to define ourselves.”
He concluded with a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “The Prime Minister made a promise. Now is the time to fulfill it. Give back what was ours — our statehood, our identity, and our voice.” (KINS)
