SRINAGAR, Sept 23: Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday reaffirmed his commitment to standing as the voice of Jammu and Kashmir’s people in Parliament, promising to address their concerns and push for the restoration of J-K’s statehood. Speaking at a rally in Zainakote on the outskirts of Srinagar, Gandhi reiterated the Congress party’s pledge to pressure the BJP-led central government to return statehood to the region, which was downgraded to a Union Territory in 2019.
“I will be your voice in Parliament,” Gandhi assured the crowd, emphasizing his close connection to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Whenever you need me, just ask, and I will be there. You know the special bond we share, and I don’t even need to mention it.”
The former Congress President stressed that restoring statehood remains the most pressing issue for J-K. “We guarantee that statehood will be restored. If the BJP does not restore it after the elections, we will ensure that it happens under our leadership,” he declared. He described the downgrading of J-K’s status as a Union Territory as a profound injustice, stripping the people of their democratic rights.
Touching on economic concerns, Gandhi referenced the defunct HMT watch factory, which was once a major employer in the region and located near the rally venue. He criticized the BJP government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for closing several such factories across India, benefitting a select group of wealthy businessmen while ignoring the common people’s needs.
“For 25 individuals, Modi waived Rs 16 lakh crore in loans,” Gandhi charged, highlighting the disparity. “But they do not waive the loans of poor farmers, laborers, students, or women.” He further criticized the government’s handling of economic policies, pointing to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetization as flawed moves that hurt small and medium businesses, leading to widespread unemployment, particularly among educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
Gandhi also took aim at Prime Minister Modi’s monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ calling it “meaningless” and out of touch with the country’s real issues. “Modi gives long speeches, but he doesn’t talk about what matters—jobs for the youth, restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, and addressing the nation’s pressing needs,” Gandhi said, adding that the country no longer listens to Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” because it doesn’t address the public’s core concerns.
In his concluding remarks, Rahul Gandhi assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the Congress would continue to fight for their rights and well-being. “This election is not just about politics; it’s about restoring dignity and opportunity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated, urging voters to support the Congress in its mission to bring about meaningful change in the region.
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