Rahul Gandhi Reiterates Commitment to Restoring Jammu and Kashmir Statehood
Srinagar, 22nd August 2024: On Thursday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi emphasized that restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is a key priority for both the Congress party and the INDIA Bloc.
Speaking at a press conference after meeting with party workers, Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, highlighted his party’s commitment to reinstating democratic rights for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He acknowledged that while the party had hoped for statehood to be reinstated before the elections, the announcement of the elections is a positive step forward.
“It remains a priority for us and the INDIA Bloc to restore statehood to J&K as soon as possible. We had hoped this could happen before the elections, but since elections have been announced, it’s a step forward. We are optimistic that statehood will be restored soon, and the democratic rights of the people of J&K will be reinstated,” Gandhi stated.
He expressed a deep connection with the people of J&K and assured them of the Congress party’s steadfast support. “We recognize the challenges you are facing and aim to end the violence,” Gandhi said.
Reflecting on his Bharat Jodo Yatra, which concluded in J&K, Gandhi remarked on his vision of fostering love and respect amidst the prevailing hostility, stating, “We aim to open a ‘shop of love in the market of hate’.”
Gandhi noted that this is the first instance since Independence where a state has been downgraded to a Union Territory. He reiterated that the Congress party’s national manifesto prioritizes restoring the democratic rights of the J&K and Ladakh people.
Accompanied by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Gandhi met with Congress leaders and workers in J&K to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections, which are scheduled for September 18, September 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4.
