J&K Elections: Rahul Gandhi’s Rally in Anantnag, Launches Scathing Attack on Modi | ABP News

As the dates for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections draw closer, political activity is intensifying. On August 4, 2024, in Anantnag, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a charge sheet addressing the Jammu and Kashmir elections. During the event, Rahul Gandhi targeted the Modi government over various issues, including caste census and the situation of Kashmiri Pandits. Regarding Kashmiri Pandits, Rahul Gandhi stated, "The BJP has exploited our Kashmiri Pandit brothers. We stand with you. When our government comes to power, we will move forward together with you. We want to connect with you. We will advance with brotherhood. Our relationship is of blood, not just political. Whether it was Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, or Jawaharlal Nehru, it is a very old relationship. My doors are always open for you. I want to raise your issues, your suffering, and your pain in Parliament." Rahul Gandhi also reiterated his stance on the caste census, criticizing the BJP. He remarked, "Initially, the BJP opposed caste-based census, but when Congress supported it, now RSS says it’s a good thing. They spoke about lateral entry, but as soon as we raised objections in Parliament, BJP reversed its position on lateral entry." On the issue of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, Rahul Gandhi argued, "Previously, states like Bihar were created into Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh into Uttarakhand, and Andhra Pradesh into Telangana. When we convert a Union Territory to a state, we deepen the rights. Converting a state to a UT means rights are stripped away. There is a difference between a UT and a state. A state has an assembly, a voice for its people, and their rights. For the first time, a state’s rights have been taken away." He further emphasized, "It is the responsibility not only of the Congress Party and the National Conference but of all Indian citizens to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The first task of the India Alliance government will be to grant statehood to Jammu and Kashmir." Rahul Gandhi criticized the current administration, saying, "Here in Jammu and Kashmir, it is said that the LG runs the place, but in reality, the term LG is misleading. They are like the kings of the 21st century. They do whatever they want. They take money for electricity, infringe upon your rights, stifle local businesses, and the entire benefit goes to BJP and RSS-connected individuals. BJP and RSS are attacking democracy, seizing institutions, and benefiting a few industrialists."