Under “national compulsion,” an alliance with NC was formed: Kaarra

JAMMU/ SRINAGAR, Aug 31: The Congress party is gearing up for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, with a significant boost to its campaign efforts. Former AICC President and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is set to visit the region on September 4 to address two crucial election rallies in the Banihal and Dooru constituencies. These rallies are part of the campaign to support the candidates of the National Conference-Congress alliance, which has been forged under what party leaders describe as a “national compulsion” for the betterment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Rahul Gandhi’s visit comes at the request of party candidates G.A. Mir (Dooru, Anantnag) and Vikar Rasool Wani (Banihal, Ramban). The first rally will take place in Gool town, Banihal constituency, at 12 noon, followed by the second rally in Dooru at 1:30 PM, where Gandhi will be joined by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, a prominent leader of the National Conference.

Rahul Gandhi’s itinerary is tightly scheduled, with his arrival in Jammu from New Delhi by special aircraft at 11:10 AM, followed by helicopter travel to Gool and later to Dooru Stadium. After completing the rally at Dooru, Gandhi will head to Srinagar airport and then return to Delhi.

G.A. Mir expressed enthusiasm about Rahul Gandhi’s visit, emphasizing the strong bond the Nehru family shares with Dooru. He believes the visit will galvanize support for the Congress-NC alliance and boost the party’s campaign efforts in the region. Mir also highlighted Rahul Gandhi’s role as a vocal advocate for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the face of challenges posed by the Modi government.

The election rally in Dooru is expected to draw thousands of attendees, eager to hear Rahul Gandhi’s message. Mir stated that people will voluntarily set aside their daily activities to welcome their leader, underlining the significant influence Rahul Gandhi holds in the region.

As part of its election strategy, the Congress party has assembled over 40 star campaigners, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, to bolster its presence in the Jammu and Kashmir polls.

Meanwhile, JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra underscored the importance of the Congress-NC alliance, describing it as a necessary step taken under national compulsion to benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Karra, speaking during the induction of new members into the Congress, including District Development Council member Irfan Hafiz Lone and former MLA Abdul Rahim Rather, emphasized that the inclusion of young and experienced leaders would strengthen the party’s reach across the region, even into the most remote villages.

Karra also pointed to the success of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ as a catalyst for growing support for the Congress, despite potential challenges in accommodating all new members due to the alliance with NC. Irfan Hafiz Lone, who is expected to contest the Wagoora-Kreeri Assembly seat, stated his commitment to peacefully fighting for the rights of the people, including the restoration of Statehood and greater autonomy within a federal framework. The Congress’s ongoing efforts to resist BJP’s influence and unify the electorate are seen as central to its strategy in the upcoming elections.

In a related development, former MLA Mumtaz Khan from Gool-Gulabgarh also joined the Congress, further bolstering the party’s ranks. Khan is anticipated to contest the Reasi seat in the forthcoming elections, adding to the Congress’s momentum in this pivotal electoral battle.