With less than two weeks left before Assembly elections begin in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched his party’s campaign on Wednesday. He combined political promises with emotional appeals to connect with the local population. This election marks the first time in nearly a decade that the region will vote and its first since becoming a Union Territory after losing its special status in 2019.
Focus On Statehood
Rahul Gandhi made the restoration of statehood a central theme of his speeches. He highlighted the significance of Jammu and Kashmir’s return to statehood, a promise he said the Congress would fulfill if elected. He also touched on his family’s historical ties to the region, tracing back to his great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. This personal connection was a key part of his pitch to the voters.
Criticizing The Current Administration
During his campaign, Rahul Gandhi criticized the current Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, calling him a ‘raja’ (king) and implying that his rule was akin to a monarchy. This remark was a jab at the BJP-led central government, which appointed Sinha. Gandhi claimed that under the current administration, local resources and wealth were being mismanaged and siphoned off, and he promised to restore statehood to rectify these issues.
Rahul’s Personal Appeal To Voters
In another rally in Anantnag, Gandhi emphasized his personal connection with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He reminded them of his family’s historical relationship with the region and reassured them of his commitment to address their concerns in Parliament. Gandhi also accused the BJP of exploiting the Kashmiri Pandit issue for political gain and promised that the Congress would support the community if they came to power.
The National Conference’s Position
The National Conference, a key ally in the Congress-led INDIA alliance, is contesting 51 out of 90 Assembly seats. Party chief Farooq Abdullah expressed confidence in their success, emphasizing their goal to restore statehood and improve conditions in the region. He criticized past accusations against his party, asserting that their focus is on the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir.
BJP’s Response To Rahul Gandhi
The BJP quickly responded to Gandhi’s remarks. Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav accused the Congress and National Conference of being backed by militants and claimed that they are trying to undo the progress made since the removal of Article 370. Madhav asserted that the BJP’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir is one of development and progress, and he promised that the BJP will form the next government in the region. Moreover, Jammu and Kashmir will vote in three phases from September 18 to October 1, with the results set to be announced on October 8.