Srinagar, Aug 22, KDC: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday emphasized the need to restore the region’s statehood while criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diminishing confidence following the recent Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing party workers in Srinagar, Gandhi, according to the Srinagar-based news gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com, said that for the first time in India’s history, a full-fledged state was downgraded to a Union Territory, stressing that the representation of the people of J&K is crucial for the country.
In his address, Gandhi stated, “After independence, many UTs in the country were upgraded to states, but this is the first time in history that a state like J&K has been downgraded to a UT.”
Expressing his deep concern for the region, Gandhi added, “I am a savior of democracy, but my heart aches for the people of J&K. We must work to eliminate the fear and pain that continue to trouble them.”
Gandhi also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Modi’s confidence was dismantled. Before the elections, he used to walk with pride, but now he walks with diminished confidence.”
He further warned that any coalition formation in J&K should not come at the expense of Congress workers’ interests. “Coalition shall not come at the expense of Congress workers’ interests,” Gandhi said.
During his visit, Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders, including K.C. Venugopal, Kaushal Vidyarthee, Pranav Jha, and Basil Raj Kunnel, were served traditional Wazwan at a local hotel.
Due to health concerns, some leaders could not partake in the feast. Later, they visited Lal Chowk, where they enjoyed ice cream at Erina, drawing attention from locals. Gandhi expressed his longstanding connection with the region, remarking, “I don’t just like J&K—I love it. I have deep ties with the people here.”
Touching on broader challenges, Gandhi highlighted the unemployment crisis affecting both J&K and the entire country. He also praised the resilience of Congress workers in J&K, stating that despite the challenges they face, they continue to stand tall and remain loyal to the party. (KDC)
