Ramban, September 4: Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi demanded for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, accusing the central government of depriving the region of its identity, rights, and resources.
Speaking at an election rally in Ramban ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Gandhi condemned the withdrawal of the region’s autonomous status.
"For the first time in India’s history, a state’s status has been revoked," Gandhi said. "Jammu and Kashmir was made a Union Territory, and its statehood was abolished, which has led to the erosion of the people’s rights and resources. We believe that the restoration of statehood should precede the holding of elections. However, the BJP argues that elections should be held first before discussing statehood."
Gandhi promised that the Congress party would fight to restore statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of the BJP’s stance. "We will apply enough pressure to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir is granted statehood," he declared.
Further criticizing the current administration, Gandhi compared the present governance under the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to the erstwhile monarchical rule. "In 1947, we replaced kings with a democratic government and a Constitution. Today, we have a 'king' in the form of the LG, who is taking your resources and diverting them elsewhere," he said. "Our top priority will be to return statehood to Jammu and Kashmir."
