||Black and White Digital News ||

||September 24,2024||

Surankote/ Srinagar: In a bid to connect with locals ahead of the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance in the Union Territory, terming it as “rule by outsiders.” Addressing rallies in Surankote (Jammu) and Srinagar (Kashmir), Mr. Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of sidelining the democratic rights of the people by appointing a Lieutenant Governor, likened to a “king,” who is not rooted in the region.

“In the past, decisions in Jammu and Kashmir were made by elected MLAs. Today, an outsider rules like a king, detached from the hearts of the people. The current administration cannot truly serve because it lacks local connection,” said Gandhi. His remarks were part of a broader push to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, an issue that has been central to the Congress’ agenda following the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent downgrading of J&K to a Union Territory in 2019.

Congress’ Commitment to Restoration of Statehood:

Reaffirming the party’s stance, Mr. Gandhi declared his commitment to applying pressure on the BJP to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of local governance, stating, “Your democratic right has been snatched by this act,” and promised to champion the people’s concerns in Parliament.

Gandhi drew upon his personal connection with the region, calling on voters to trust him as their voice in Delhi. He also criticized the Modi government’s focus on the Prime Minister’s *Mann Ki Baat* radio addresses, contrasting it with a lack of real action on pressing issues like unemployment and the future of the youth in J&K. “PM Modi used to speak with pride and confidence, but now the INDIA bloc and Congress have changed his psychology,” Mr. Gandhi asserted, hinting at the perceived political shift since the emergence of the opposition alliance.

A Call to Counter ‘Hate Politics:

Gandhi also touched upon a broader theme, condemning the BJP and RSS for allegedly fostering divisiveness across the country. “They spread hate across India, but hate cannot be defeated by hate. It must be countered with love,” he said, echoing a message of unity.

Accompanying Gandhi at the rally in Jammu’s Surankote was National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, a key ally in the INDIA bloc, who reiterated the importance of unity among all communities in the region. Abdullah called upon voters from all backgrounds—Hindus, Muslims, Gujjars, Kashmiris, Shias, and Sunnis—to join forces against what he called hate-driven politics.

“This election is a battle against the forces trying to divide India. By voting for the Congress’ symbol of the hand, we strengthen a united India, which belongs to all of us,” Abdullah urged. He expressed hope that the upcoming elections would address the region’s many hardships, calling it a critical juncture in J&K’s political future.

Congress’ Strategic Push in J&K:

Rahul Gandhi’s outreach to Jammu and Kashmir’s electorate comes at a crucial time, with the second phase of elections shaping up to be a critical test for Congress and its allies. His sharp critique of the Modi government, coupled with the Congress’ longstanding commitment to restoring statehood, resonates with many local concerns. By focusing on local governance and democratic rights, Gandhi seeks to differentiate his party from the BJP, which continues to defend its 2019 decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

As the election season intensifies, both Gandhi’s rhetoric on “outsiders ruling J&K” and his call for unity against divisive politics are expected to play key roles in shaping voter sentiment.

Tariq Hameed Karra