In a fiery speech delivered on Saturday, September 28, 2024, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress General Secretary, pledged to restore Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir if her party wins the upcoming Assembly elections. She accused the BJP of using the region as a political pawn and criticized the current administration as a ‘puppet government’ controlled by the BJP.
Addressing a public rally in Jammu, Gandhi promised, “The Congress party has a vision for you and for Jammu and Kashmir. We want to restore your State’s status. If our government comes to power, we will immediately restore your Statehood. We will also revive the tradition of the Darbar Move.” The Darbar Move refers to the biannual shift of government offices between Jammu and Srinagar due to the harsh winters in the region.
Gandhi went on to accuse the BJP government of “downgrading” J&K into a Union Territory and stripping the people of their rights. She slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement about restoring Statehood only if the people voted for the BJP, calling it “amusing.” “It is like a thief who steals your TV and then says ‘If you want it back, ask me.’ They claim only they can return it. If our government comes to power, we will immediately restore your Statehood,” Gandhi asserted.
The Congress leader also expressed concern over the region’s economic situation, accusing the BJP government of neglecting the people of J&K and promoting the interests of big industrialists. She claimed that half of the contracts meant for J&K had been awarded to outsiders, leading to widespread unemployment. “You have been deprived of your voting rights, and small businesses are being crushed by large corporations. Why is Jammu and Kashmir lagging behind in employment? Why is there so much unemployment?” she questioned.
Gandhi criticized the BJP government’s handling of various issues, including the ‘Agnipath’ scheme, which she claimed was detrimental to the youth, and the drug addiction problem plaguing the region, which she linked to unemployment. She also highlighted the alleged corruption within the BJP government, citing the alleged harassment of a Dalit officer who exposed a scam in the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Drawing upon her family’s deep connection with Kashmir, Gandhi emphasized the Congress’ commitment to the people of the region. She reminded the audience of her grandmother, Indira Gandhi’s love for Kashmir and her tragic assassination just days after a visit to the region.
Priyanka Gandhi’s speech resonated with the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, calling for a change in leadership and a return to the region’s former status. Her promises of Statehood restoration and addressing economic concerns, coupled with her criticism of the BJP’s policies, are likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming Assembly elections.
