Rahul Gandhi criticizes Modi govt at rally in J-K’s Ramban, calls for restoration of statehood

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Ramban ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections sharply criticized the Modi government. Gandhi voiced concerns about the status of Jammu & Kashmir, calling for the restoration of statehood. 

He further argued that the current administration under the Lieutenant Governor (LG) is akin to a monarchy, depriving the people of their rights and resources. 

"Statehood must be restored because not only has your state been taken away, but your rights and wealth are also being stripped from you. In 1947, we removed kings and established a democratic government with a constitution. Today, in Jammu and Kashmir, a king called the LG still rules, and your wealth is being taken away and given to outsiders," Gandhi emphasized.

जम्मू-कश्मीर को स्टेटहुड वापस मिलेगा

- ये हमारा वादा है pic.twitter.com/ClEhqMLmsu

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 4, 2024

Addressing the crowd, Gandhi claimed, "In Parliament, I was told that you cannot take the name of Adani or Ambani in the House. So, I named them A1, A2."

Gandhi further attacked the ruling BJP by referring to the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and industrialists Adani and Ambani as a partnership, stating, "This is 'Hum Do Hamare Do'... that is Narendra Modi-Amit Shah, Adani-Ambani. Their government is running in the country."

संसद में मुझे कहा गया कि आप सदन में अडानी-अंबानी का नाम नहीं ले सकते।

इसलिए मैंने उन्हें A1, A2 नाम दे दिया।
ये 'हम दो-हमारे दो' हैं.. यानी नरेंद्र मोदी-अमित शाह, अडानी-अंबानी।

देश में इनकी सरकार चल रही है।

: नेता विपक्ष श्री @RahulGandhi

📍 रामबन, जम्मू-कश्मीर pic.twitter.com/w7ITPv6qXM

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 4, 2024

Drawing attention to Prime Minister Modi's demeanor, Gandhi remarked on the changes he observed, "Before the Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi used to come with his chest puffed out, now his shoulders are bent. This time, before entering the Parliament, he placed the Constitution on his forehead and then went inside."

लोक सभा चुनाव से पहले नरेंद्र मोदी छाती चौड़ी कर के आते थे, अब उनके कंधे झुक गए हैं।

इस बार उन्होंने संसद में घुसने से पहले संविधान माथे पर लगाया और फिर अंदर गए।

: नेता विपक्ष श्री @RahulGandhi

📍 रामबन, जम्मू-कश्मीर pic.twitter.com/37Dqp7WCAc

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 4, 2024

The Congress leader further assured the people of Ramban with the promises that once the party comes in power, it will prioritize filling vacant government posts and raise the age limit for applicants to 40 years. It further adds the plan to regularize daily wage laborers, granting them permanent positions and increasing their income. “Our overarching goal is to run the government inclusively, ensuring that the voices and needs of all citizens are heard and addressed. This commitment reflects our dedication to fostering a prosperous and equitable Jammu and Kashmir for everyone,” he added.

जम्मू-कश्मीर में कांग्रेस गठबंधन की सरकार बनने जा रही है।

हम सरकारी पदों को भरेंगे और आयु सीमा 40 साल तक बढ़ाएंगे।

दिहाड़ी मजदूरों को रेगुलराइज करेंगे, परमानेंट करेंगे और उनकी आमदनी बढ़ाएंगे।

हमारा लक्ष्य होगा कि सभी को साथ लेकर जम्मू-कश्मीर की सरकार चलाएं।

: नेता विपक्ष… pic.twitter.com/fGFQibbQkX

— Congress (@INCIndia) September 4, 2024

Meanwhile, it is important to note that the rally in Ramban highlights the Congress party's push to regain influence in the region and challenge the policies of the BJP-led central government. The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4.