Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi kicked off the Congress electoral campaign with a mega rally in Jammu and Kashmir. At the rally in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, Rahul Gandhi targeted the BJP and RSS. He discussed statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, unemployment, electricity issues, and the widespread hatred in the country.
Rahul Gandhi said, "For the first time in India's history, statehood has been taken away. An entire state has been eliminated, and people's rights have been stripped." He further stated that the BJP and RSS are spreading hatred and violence nationwide. Their job is to spread hate, but our job is to spread love. They divide, and we unite. Hatred can only be defeated by love. Ultimately, love always wins. Narendra Modi once strutted with pride but now comes humbled. For the first time in Indian history, statehood has been taken away.
'First Task: Restore Statehood...'
Rahul Gandhi addressed the crowd, saying that not only has their state been taken away, but their rights and property as well. He emphasized that in 1947, the kings were overthrown, and a democratic government was established, giving the country a constitution. Today, Jammu and Kashmir have a new king, named LG.
Rahul Gandhi asserted, "Our first step will be to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We wanted you to have statehood before the elections, and we wanted the elections to occur after Jammu and Kashmir regained its state status. The BJP did not want this; they wanted the elections first and then to discuss statehood. Regardless of what the BJP wants, the INDIA coalition will pressure them, and Jammu and Kashmir will regain statehood."
'Unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir Higher Than Rest of the Country...'
Rahul Gandhi continued, "The Congress party's coalition government is going to come into power here. We will fill all government vacancies and extend the age limit to 40. We will regularize daily wage workers, making them permanent and increasing their income. Our goal is to run the government of Jammu and Kashmir collaboratively, ensuring respect for all, and moving forward together.
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Rahul Gandhi criticized the government for working only to benefit Adani and Ambani. Unemployment is higher in Jammu and Kashmir than in other parts of the country. Modi ji dives into the sea or hugs politicians but never talks about unemployment. The Congress and National Conference government is going to take power. We will fill all government vacancies and extend the age limit to 40. Daily wage workers will be regularized."
Rahul Gandhi said, "Now Narendra Modi fears the people of India, and there is only a bit of time left before we remove Modi and the BJP from power. We want brotherhood in the country, respect for all, and good communication with each other."
'If Our Government Forms in Kashmir...'
Talking about the beauty of the valley, Rahul Gandhi said it is such a beautiful place that he will have to visit after the elections. He mentioned a 45-minute program had been organized for him there, but it should have been at least 2-3 days. He said he doesn't often get to see such lovely places and people and asked for a 2-3 days tour.
He further said that soon, their government would be formed in Kashmir, and they would work wholeheartedly for the people. It is a beautiful place, and Sangaldan is an excellent place.
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Three-Stage Voting Process
For the first time in 10 years, Jammu and Kashmir will hold assembly elections. After the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir were made a Union Territory. Now, elections will be held in three phases. On September 18, September 25, and October 1, voters will cast their votes for 90 assembly seats. The election results will be announced on October 8.
Congress to Contest in Alliance
Congress and the National Conference have formed an alliance for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Out of 90 seats, Congress will contest 32 seats, and the National Conference will field candidates for 51 seats. There will be a friendly fight for five seats, including Banihal, Doda, Bhaderwah, Nagrota, and Sopore.
