Ramban (J&K): The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi made a strong pitch for restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a huge rally in Ramban on September 4, 2024, Shri Rahul Gandhi pledged publicly to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and promised the Congress would work towards it if elected to power.

During the rally, Shri Rahul Gandhi criticized the central government, accusing it of diverting benefits intended for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to outsiders.” In 1947, India adopted the Constitution. Kings were removed and democratic governments were elected. But in Jammu and Kashmir, the affairs are being run by a king, and his name is the Lieutenant Governor (LG), saying, “Aaj Jammu-Kashmir mein raja baitha hua hai. Uska naam L-G hai par hai voh raja,” he added.

Shri Rahul Gandhi expressed frustration that the central government was denying the region its rightful benefits and vowed to change this if the Congress-led INDIA alliance comes to power. “Your wealth is being snatched and given to people from outside. All benefits are being given to outsiders,” he said.

He further emphasized that restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would be the Congress Party’s top priority. “Our first step would be to restore statehood in Jammu and Kashmir. We wished for this restoration before the assembly elections, but the BJP was not willing and wanted the polls to be held first,” Shri Rahul Gandhi stated.

The Leader of Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi assured that, regardless of BJP’s stance, his Party would exert pressure on the government to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is reinstated. “We will ensure the return of statehood to the region, whether BJP wants it or not. We will pressurise the government under the banner of the INDIA Alliance to ensure restoration of statehood,” Gandhi declared.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are set to commence on September 18, with results scheduled to be announced on October 8. The Congress Party is contesting the elections in alliance with the National Conference (NC), led by Farooq Abdullah. Together, the two parties will contest 83 seats—51 for the NC and 32 for the Congress. Shri Rahul launches Congress Campaign in Kashmir, vows to restore Statehood

Dooru, Anantnag (J&K): Congress leader Shri Rahul Gandhi on September 4, 2024, kicked off the Party’s campaign in South Kashmir for the Assembly election, emphasizing the restoration of statehood to J&K as the top priority.

Addressing a rally in Dooru, Anantnag, Shri Gandhi asserted that the INDI Alliance (INDIA), which the Congress is part of, would win the polls in J&K. He criticized the BJP and RSS, saying they were on one side, while the INDI Alliance (INDIA) partners Congress and National Conference, fighting for justice, was on the other. The former Congress President noted that the downgrading of J&K from a state to a union territory was unprecedented in Indian history.

He claimed that the INDI Alliance (INDIA) had shaken Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s confidence, forcing the government to concede to opposition demands. “You see (Modi) from a distance and I see him very closely in Parliament. I see directly what is happening and his entire confidence is shattered. Whatever opposition wants they accept it. They talked about lateral entry. We raised questions and they said they will not do it. Now a days, the government is being run by the Opposition that is truth. Similarly, we will ensure statehood restoration for J&K,” Shri Rahul Gandhi said.

He also accused the central government of being controlled by Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and their corporate allies, and criticised the Modi government over unemployment, stating that GST and demonetisation had harmed small businesses while benefiting a few billionaires.

He further asserted that Jammu and Kashmir suffers from the highest unemployment rate in the country, and the government has failed to create job opportunities for the youth.