Rahul Gandhi Promises to Restore Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood
Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, criticized the BJP-led central government for downgrading Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a union territory. He called this move an injustice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it was the first time in India’s history that a state was turned into a union territory.
Addressing a public rally in Jammu, Gandhi said, “Your democratic rights have been snatched away from you. Today Jammu and Kashmir is not run by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it is run by the people of other states.” He also criticized the BJP and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, claiming that their policies have harmed local businesses and increased unemployment.
Gandhi assured that the INDIA alliance would use all its strength to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir if the BJP did not agree to do so. He expressed confidence that the INDIA alliance would form the next government and prioritize restoring statehood.
Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah, a leader from the National Conference, urged Rahul Gandhi to focus on campaigning in Jammu, where Congress holds the majority of seats, instead of solely focusing on Kashmir.
The second phase of voting for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections saw a voter turnout of 36.93% as of 1 pm. Reasi recorded the highest turnout at 51.55%, while Srinagar had the lowest at 17.95%. The final phase of voting will be held on October 1, with the counting of votes on October 8.
Doubts Revealed
Rahul Gandhi -: Rahul Gandhi is an Indian politician and a member of the Indian National Congress party. He is the son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India. It is currently leading the central government.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It used to be a state but was changed to a union territory in 2019.
Union territory -: A union territory is a type of administrative division in India that is directly governed by the central government, unlike states which have their own governments.
INDIA alliance -: The INDIA alliance is a group of political parties in India that have come together to oppose the BJP. It stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.
Omar Abdullah -: Omar Abdullah is an Indian politician and a leader of the National Conference party. He has also served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Reasi -: Reasi is a district in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. It had the highest voter turnout in the second phase of voting.
Srinagar -: Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It had the lowest voter turnout in the second phase of voting.
