Beyond Rajiv Gandhi’s Remembrance: Rahul Gandhi’s Ladakh Expedition Amplifies Voices of Locals and Questions Union Territory Status
20-08-2023 : On the occasion of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s 79th birth anniversary, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made his presence felt in Ladakh, not only to pay tribute to his father but also to voice his concerns about the Indian government’s assertions regarding China’s alleged incursions into Indian territory. Amidst the serene backdrop of Pangong Tso lake, gleaming under an overcast Sunday morning sky, Rahul Gandhi took a critical stance against the Central government’s claim that not a single inch of Indian land had been encroached upon by China’s People Liberation Army (PLA) troops.
During his interaction with reporters, the Congress MP revealed that the locals in Ladakh held a differing view on this matter. According to him, the residents of the region were apprehensive about the extent of land taken by the Chinese forces and argued that Indian territory had indeed been intruded upon. This perspective, shared by the local populace, raised a legitimate cause for concern in his eyes. “The locals here are concerned about China taking our land. They have said that the Chinese troops took away their grazing land. However, the PM says not an inch of land was taken away. This is not true, you can ask anyone here,” asserted Rahul Gandhi.
Beyond addressing the territorial dispute, Rahul Gandhi also brought attention to the post-abrogation scenario following Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned the decision to grant Union territory status to Ladakh after the division of the state into two separate Union Territories. Drawing on feedback from the people of Ladakh, he highlighted their dissatisfaction with the current status and their desire for increased representation. The issue of unemployment further weighed on their minds. Rahul Gandhi advocated for governance led by elected representatives rather than bureaucratic administration.
पापा, आपकी आंखों में भारत के लिए जो सपने थे, इन अनमोल यादों से छलकते हैं।
आपके निशान मेरा रास्ता हैं – हर हिंदुस्तानी के संघर्षों और सपनों को समझ रहा हूं, भारत मां की आवाज़ सुन रहा हूं। pic.twitter.com/VqkbxoPP7l
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 20, 2023
Reflecting on his personal connection to the region, Rahul Gandhi recounted a poignant memory shared with his father. He recalled Rajiv Gandhi’s description of Pangong Tso as the most beautiful place on earth. This memory resonated deeply with him and played a role in motivating his visit to Ladakh. He shared, “I remember, when I was small, my father once returned from a visit to Pangong Tso and showed me some pictures of the lake. He told me that this is the most beautiful place on earth.”
His trip to Ladakh, while symbolically paying homage to his father, also carried the intention of engaging with the local environment and gaining insights into the challenges and aspirations of the people. Rahul Gandhi’s plan included a bike ride to the picturesque Pangong Tso, showcasing his desire to connect with the land and its inhabitants on a more personal level.
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by Vikar Rasool Wani, the president of the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, along with several other party officials and workers. Prior to his physical visit, Rahul Gandhi had also taken to the social media platform ‘X’ to express his sentiments. He wrote, “Papa, the dreams you had for India are shown from these priceless memories. Your mark is my way – understanding the struggles and dreams of every Indian, listening to the voice of Mother India.”
