Amit Shah Criticizes Rahul Gandhi Over Reservation Policy in Jammu and Kashmir Elections
BJP leader Amit Shah has criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his stance on the reservation policy, which conflicts with the National Conference’s (NC) manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Shah questioned Gandhi’s support for the NC’s plan to abolish reservations for Dalits, Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Pahadis.
On August 19, NC Vice President Omar Abdullah launched the party’s manifesto, which includes promises to restore Article 370, 35A, and statehood, redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits. Article 370 previously granted Kashmir autonomy in internal administration, while Article 35A allowed the state legislature to define ‘permanent residents’ and grant them special privileges.
On Thursday, Congress and the NC announced a pre-poll alliance, with seat-sharing talks underway. The alliance was formalized after Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge met NC chief Farooq Abdullah. The parties aim to contest all 90 seats in the assembly elections, which will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with results announced on October 4.
Farooq Abdullah expressed optimism about the alliance, stating, ‘United we stand.’ He emphasized the importance of statehood and fighting divisive forces, hoping for a better future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Doubts Revealed
Amit Shah -: Amit Shah is a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and currently serves as the Home Minister of India. He is known for his strong political strategies.
Rahul Gandhi -: Rahul Gandhi is a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress (INC), a major political party in India. He is the son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.
Reservation Policy -: Reservation policy in India refers to the system of reserving a certain percentage of seats in government jobs, educational institutions, and legislatures for socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India. It used to be a state but is now a Union Territory, which means it is directly governed by the central government of India.
National Conference (NC) -: The National Conference (NC) is a political party in Jammu and Kashmir. It has been a significant player in the region’s politics for many years.
Manifesto -: A manifesto is a public declaration of policies and aims, usually issued by a political party before an election. It tells people what the party plans to do if they win.
Pre-poll Alliance -: A pre-poll alliance is when two or more political parties agree to work together and support each other in an election before the voting takes place.