Bond of blood: Rahul Gandhi on his ties with the valley, says restoration of statehood is priority | WATCH

New Delhi: During a visit to Jammu and Kashmir ahead of its first Assembly election since 2014, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi asserted his deep-rooted connection with the region, describing his relationship with its people as one of "blood." Speaking at an event in Srinagar, he emphasised that his primary goal is to address the pain and suffering of the people of J&K and ensure the restoration of their statehood and democratic rights.

My aim is to restore statehood: Rahul Gandhi

"I have a blood relationship with Jammu and Kashmir," Gandhi stated. "My biggest goal is to alleviate the pain in the hearts of the people here and to restore their statehood and representation."

जम्मू-कश्मीर के साथ मेरा खून का रिश्ता है - वहां के लोगों के दिलों में जो दुख-दर्द है, उसे मिटा कर उन्हें उनका statehood और representation वापस दिलाना ही मेरा सबसे बड़ा लक्ष्य है। pic.twitter.com/iBFDwwJxn0

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 22, 2024

Gandhi took a subtle swipe at the Modi government for delaying the restoration of statehood, a demand widely supported by opposition parties. "We expected this to be done before the elections... but elections have been declared, and it's a step forward," he said.

LIVE: Press Briefing | Srinagar https://t.co/YxIAMdrT4U

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 22, 2024

During his address, Gandhi also revived his famous slogan from the Bharat Jodo Yatra, urging the people of J&K to "open shops of love in the market of hatred." He reiterated that his connection with J&K was not merely political, but personal and longstanding.

Gandhi further underscored the significance of restoring statehood, highlighting that J&K is the only state in India's history to be downgraded to a union territory. He called it a unique instance and expressed hope that the democratic rights of the people of J&K would be restored soon.

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— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 22, 2024

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also echoed Gandhi's sentiments, appealing to voters to support the Congress in the upcoming election. Kharge emphasized the Congress' commitment to preserving the culture, rights, and democracy of J&K.

The J&K Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the results to be announced on October 4.