Srinagar, Aug 22 (UNI) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that the Congress party’s primary objective is to restore democratic rights to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
He said they want to convey to the people of J&K and the rest of the country that their representation is most important.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar during his two-day visit, Gandhi emphasized, “It is our priority to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regain their democratic rights… I have a deep connection with the people of J&K, and my message to them is that the Congress party is always there to support them.”
Rahul said that the people are facing a challenging period and they want that the violence should end.
He referred to his Bharat Jodo Yatra, saying he aims to “open a shop of love in a market of hate” through respect and brotherhood.
Earlier, while addressing party workers, Gandhi highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir’s downgrade from a state to a Union Territory is ‘unprecedented’.
“This has never happened before. UTs have become states, but it’s the first time a state has become a UT. We are clear in our national manifesto that restoring democratic rights to the people of J&K and Ladakh is a priority,” he said.
The former Congress President emphasized the importance of representation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “We want to convey that their representation is crucial, not just for us but for the country.”
He praised Congress workers in J&K, saying, “If anyone has worked during tough times, it’s party workers.
Any alliance will happen only with respect for Congress workers and through love and friendship.”
Gandhi mentioned that when Assembly election was announced, he met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and they decided to prioritize J&K.
“We wanted to convey to the people of J&K and the rest of the country that their representation is most important to us,” he said.
The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, “In the recent Lok Sabha election, the latter’s confidence was shattered.”
