Rahul Gandhi Emphasizes Statehood and Alliance in Srinagar Address
PTK NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR : Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reiterated his party’s commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the importance of their representation and the restoration of statehood. Gandhi, who has been vocal about the issues facing the region, described the Congress party’s relationship with Jammu and Kashmir as more than just political, referring to it as a “blood relationship.”
“You are not workers, you are family,” Gandhi told the gathering, highlighting the deep ties the Congress party shares with the region. He pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir is the only instance in India’s post-independence history where statehood was revoked to create a union territory. “This has never happened before,” he noted, stressing the importance of reinstating statehood for the region.
Gandhi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, which was among the first after the announcement of upcoming elections, underscores the Congress party’s focus on the region. “As soon as we got to know that elections are going to be held, we first decided to come here to Jammu and Kashmir because we want to give a message to the people of every state that for us, the representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their statehood is the most important thing,” he asserted.
In a poignant moment, Gandhi declared, “I don’t like the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I love them. This is a very old relationship, a blood relationship.” He praised Congress workers for their confidence and fearlessness in working in the region, despite the challenges.
Looking ahead to the assembly elections, Gandhi hinted at the possibility of alliances but was firm on the need to maintain the dignity and respect of Congress workers in any coalition that might be formed. “There will be an alliance (for the assembly elections), but it will be while maintaining the respect of the workers of the Congress party,” he affirmed.
This address by Rahul Gandhi reflects the Congress party’s ongoing commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the restoration of its statehood and ensuring the representation of its people on the national stage.
