Jammu Kashmir Assembly Election: Rahul Gandhi’s Heartfelt Message to Jammu and Kashmir ‘Statehood Restoration is Our Goal, Not Just a Political Agenda

Rahul Gandhi launched the Congress-NC alliance election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir with a compelling speech emphasizing his personal connection to the region and the party's commitment to restoring statehood.

On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, officially kicked off the Congress-National Conference (NC) election campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls. Speaking to enthusiastic crowds at rallies in Dooru Anantnag and Banihal Ramban, Gandhi highlighted the coalition’s promise to reinstate statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a large gathering in Dooru Anantnag, where voters will head to the polls on September 18, Gandhi criticized the BJP government for what he called the "disempowerment" of the region. He asserted, "In the history of modern India, we have not witnessed such disempowerment of a state," referencing examples of other regions that have successfully transitioned from Union Territory to full statehood.

Gandhi expressed confidence in the Congress-NC alliance's strong performance in the forthcoming elections, declaring, "It is certain that a Congress coalition government will be formed here."

In his address, Gandhi accused the central government of spreading hatred and violence across the country and promised that Congress would unite the nation, spreading "Mohabbat ki Dukan" (a shop of love) nationwide. He criticized the BJP's actions, stating, "For the first time since independence, a state has been reduced to a Union Territory. This is a grave injustice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir."

Gandhi vowed to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir despite opposition from the BJP and RSS. "We will fight them in Parliament and ensure Jammu and Kashmir gets its rights—statehood—back," he promised. He also criticized the Lieutenant Governor, describing him as "acting like a king of old times," benefiting outsiders with major contracts and privileges that rightfully belong to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting his opposition to the BJP, Gandhi remarked, "The BJP benefits only a few big businessmen by depriving common Indians of their rights. Though I was stopped in Parliament from naming Adani and Ambani, I will not stop here. I will expose them to every citizen."

He criticized the BJP for eroding public confidence and stated, "The INDIA alliance has shattered Narendra Modi’s confidence. The BJP government now lacks will and power; they are merely doing what the opposition wants."

Addressing Kashmiri Pandits, Gandhi remarked, “The BJP has always used you without benefiting you. Join us, and we will take you along.”

The rally was also attended by National Conference President Farooq Abdullah, who urged people to support Rahul Gandhi. Abdullah criticized the BJP-led government, accusing them of attempting to divide the country along religious lines and attacking Muslim communities across various states. He urged voters to strengthen Gandhi’s efforts to defeat the BJP.

Additionally, Rahul Gandhi released a charge sheet prepared by the Jammu and Kashmir Congress Unit against the BJP.

The upcoming assembly elections on September 18 will be a critical test for both the NC-Congress alliance and their rivals in Jammu and Kashmir.