Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, asserted on Wednesday that the opposition INDIA bloc has achieved a significant psychological victory over Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at a rally in Ramban district, Gandhi criticized Modi’s previous statements, suggesting that the Prime Minister’s confidence has been undermined.
Modi’s Caste Census Stance Reversed
Gandhi accused Modi of initially opposing a caste census, but noted that the opposition’s persistent demands have led even RSS members to support it. “Prime Minister Modi had claimed that there would be no caste census, but now the stance has changed, and even RSS members are backing it,” Gandhi remarked.
Modi’s Confidence Under Scrutiny
During the rally, Gandhi suggested that Modi’s once unshakable confidence has faded. He noted, “I sit in front of him in Parliament and his confidence is gone. The INDIA bloc stood together and fought unitedly. PM Modi wanted to bring people in through lateral entry, but it was opposed, and then the BJP changed its stance.”
Gandhi also expressed concern over Modi’s ability to connect with the people, stating that Modi is now perceived as disconnected from the public sentiment. He predicted that the BJP’s time in power is running short.
A Call for Unity and Respect
Emphasizing the need for national unity and respect, Gandhi outlined his vision for the country. “We want brotherhood in the country, where everyone is respected and people speak to each other with dignity. Vulnerable groups, whether farmers, labourers, or small business owners, should feel they have a stake in this country. We want it to happen in Jammu and Kashmir as well,” he said.
Criticism of Jammu and Kashmir’s Status
Gandhi took a jab at the current administration, criticizing the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a Union Territory. He remarked, “For the first time in Indian history, the rights of people in Jammu and Kashmir have been taken away by downgrading it from a state to a Union Territory. In 1947, India adopted the Constitution, removed kings, and elected democratic governments. But in Jammu and Kashmir, the affairs are being run by a king, and his name is the Lieutenant Governor (LG).”
Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to hold elections on September 18, 25, and October 1, with Haryana also voting on October 1. The counting of votes for both states will occur on October 8. The region’s last assembly election in 2014 saw the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, win 28 seats. The BJP secured 25 seats, the National Conference (NC) obtained 15 seats, and the Congress won 12 seats. The PDP and BJP formed a coalition government in 2015, which eventually collapsed in 2018 after the BJP withdrew support.