Lagatar24 Desk
Srinagar: As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its first Assembly elections in nearly a decade, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched his party’s campaign with a mix of political promises and emotional appeals. Addressing the people of the Union Territory, Gandhi emphasized the restoration of statehood and highlighted the deep historical ties his family shares with the region, dating back to his great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister.
With the elections set to begin in less than two weeks, Gandhi underscored the significance of these polls as the first since Jammu and Kashmir was stripped of its special status under Article 370 in 2019. “Restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is not just about returning its state status. It’s about restoring your rights, your wealth, all of which have been taken away,” Gandhi asserted at a rally.
In his speeches, Gandhi also took aim at Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the BJP-led central government, accusing them of acting like ‘kings’ who disregard democratic principles. “In 1947, we removed the kings and formed a democratic government. But today, a raja is ruling Jammu and Kashmir. Your money is being stolen and given to outsiders,” he said.
The BJP, set to kick off its own campaign with rallies led by Home Minister Amit Shah, countered by accusing the Congress-National Conference alliance of having the backing of militants. Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav criticized the opposition, claiming they want to drag Jammu and Kashmir back to a period of unrest.
Emphasizing Personal Bonds and Historical Ties
During his campaign in Anantnag, Rahul Gandhi spoke passionately about his personal connection with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “You and I share a blood relation that is not merely political. It is a bond that dates back to Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru. My doors are always open for you,” he stated, promising to voice their concerns in Parliament.
Gandhi also criticized the BJP for allegedly exploiting the Kashmiri Pandit issue for political gain without providing real support to the community. Reiterating his commitment to inclusivity, he used his well-known phrase, ‘mohabbat ki dukaan’ (shop of love), to assure that the Congress would stand by the Kashmiri Pandits and work for their welfare if elected.
Alliance and Electoral Strategy
The Congress-National Conference alliance is contesting the elections with the National Conference as the senior partner, fielding candidates in 51 out of the 90 Assembly seats, while Congress contests 32 seats. National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah expressed confidence in the alliance’s success, emphasizing their shared goal of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
“We are raising our voices against those who have wronged us and called us names. This election is a chance for Jammu and Kashmir to prosper after years of hardship,” Abdullah said.
BJP’s Response and Accusations
Reacting to Gandhi and Abdullah’s remarks, BJP leader Ram Madhav accused the opposition parties of seeking militant support and aiming to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir’s progress post-Article 370. He urged voters to reject the Congress-National Conference alliance, claiming it would return the region to a time of chaos.
Jammu and Kashmir will hold its Assembly elections in three phases from September 18 to October 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 8.
