Monday, 23 September 2024
Monday, 23 September 2024
Ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made strong statements, vowing to restore statehood and taking jabs at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Speaking at different rallies in Jammu and Kashmir, he addressed issues ranging from unemployment to the BJP's governance in the region, with promises of change under Congress leadership.
Gandhi said that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood remains a top priority for Congress. He reminded the crowd that it was the first time in Indian history that a state had been downgraded to a Union Territory. "This was the first time that a state was turned into a Union Territory in the country's history… Your democratic right was snatched. We have given priority to the demand for restoration of statehood," said Gandhi. Gandhi promised the public that if the BJP failed to restore statehood after the elections, Congress would take matters into its own hands. "We guarantee that it will be restored. If the BJP does not give it to you (after elections), we will ensure that it is restored," he assured the crowd.
The Congress leader also turned his attention to the issue of unemployment, which he described as a direct consequence of the Modi administration’s policies. Addressing a rally in Srinagar, he blamed the Prime Minister for the lack of job opportunities for educated youth, terming it Modi's 'gift' to the country. "Unemployment is rising across the country as educated people are not finding jobs; this is Narendra Modi's gift," Gandhi said. He accused the government of enacting policies like demonetisation and a flawed Goods and Services Tax (GST), which he argued had crippled small and medium businesses, leaving countless youths without jobs despite their qualifications.
In a sharp dig at Prime Minister Modi’s popular radio show, Gandhi accused him of ignoring the real issues facing the country. He criticised Modi for making speeches that, according to him, failed to address the concerns of the public. "He only talks about his Mann Ki Baat and not Kaam Ki Baat. Kaam Ki Baat is to give jobs and vision to the youth, reduce and restore statehood to J-K. No one is listening to your Mann Ki Baat (anymore)," said Gandhi at the rally.
Taking on the BJP and its ideological parent, the RSS, Gandhi accused them of spreading hatred and dividing the nation along lines of religion, caste, and region. He positioned Congress as the antithesis of this divisiveness, framing the party as a force for unity. "The RSS-BJP are spreading hatred to divide people in the name of religion, caste, creed, and region. We have opened shops of love in the markets of hate," Gandhi declared.
Gandhi also sought to reinforce his personal connection with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, vowing to raise their issues in Parliament. He assured voters that they could rely on him to champion their causes. "Whenever you need me, you just have to give me an order and I will be present before you. I will raise your issues in Parliament. You know the special relationship I have with you. I do not have to even mention it," Gandhi told a gathering in Srinagar's Zainakote area. "I will be your voice in Parliament," he said, reinforcing his commitment to the region's concerns.
Gandhi accused the Modi government of catering only to a small group of wealthy businessmen while ignoring the needs of the common people. He criticised the Prime Minister for waiving off massive loans for big corporates while ignoring the plight of the poor. "For 25 people, he waived Rs 16 lakh crore loan. They do not waive off loans of poor, farmers, labourers, students, and women," Gandhi charged.
