Congress leader and LoP in Lok Sabah Rahul Gandhi asserted on Wednesday that the restoration of statehood is a fundamental right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, promising that the I.N.D.I.A bloc would mobilise “full force” in Parliament and on the streets if the Central government fails to reinstate it following the Assembly elections.
Speaking at an election rally in Jammu, Gandhi condemned the 2019 decision to bifurcate the erstwhile state into two Union Territories (UTs) as a “grave injustice”. He stated, “This has never happened in the history of India that we have taken away statehood and transformed a state into a Union Territory. It should have never happened.”
Gandhi vowed that if the BJP does not restore statehood post-elections, I.N.D.I.A bloc would strongly advocate for it within the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and through public demonstrations.
This rally was his third visit to the region in nearly three weeks, following stops in Banihal, Dooru, Surankote, and Central-Shalteng.
Criticising the current administration, Gandhi claimed it has favoured “outsiders” over local residents, contending that the presence of the Lieutenant Governor has marginalised local interests. “As long as the Lt. Governor is there, outsiders will benefit and locals will be sidelined,” he stated, asserting that the revocation of statehood was intended to facilitate governance by non-residents.
Emphasising the importance of statehood for youth, he declared, “Restoration of statehood is your right and your future. J&K cannot move forward without it.” He began his day with an interaction with local professionals before addressing the rally at JK Resort Ground.
He also criticised the central government’s economic policies, alleging they benefit a select few business magnates. “This government runs for Ambani and Adani,” he claimed, denouncing GST and demonetization as tools designed to enrich these conglomerates.
Addressing the concerns of migrant Kashmiri Pandits and refugees from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, he pledged to fulfil all promises made to them by the Manmohan Singh government after the formation of a National Conference-Congress government in J&K. He also committed to removing smart electricity meters and granting official language status to Punjabi.
Concluding his address, Gandhi accused the BJP government and the Lt Governor of undermining Jammu’s economic potential, emphasizing its role as a central hub essential for facilitating the production chain from the valley to the rest of the country. As the assembly elections progress, the call for the restoration of statehood remains a pivotal issue in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
