GG News Bureau
Jammu, 24th Sept. Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, addressed a rally in Zainakote, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday, promising to be the voice of the region’s people in Parliament. He reiterated the Congress party’s commitment to pressuring the BJP-ruled Central government to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir (J-K).
“Whenever you need me, you just have to give me an order, and I will be present before you. I will raise your issues in Parliament. You know the special relationship I have with you. I do not have to even mention it,” Gandhi assured the gathering.
He emphasized that restoring statehood is the biggest issue for the people of J-K and guaranteed its reinstatement. “If the BJP does not give it to you after elections, we will ensure that it is restored,” he stated, condemning the downgrading of J-K into a Union Territory as an injustice to its residents. “Your democratic right has been snatched by downgrading the state into a UT,” he added.
Gandhi also criticized the Modi-led government for shutting down factories, referencing the now-defunct HMT watch factory near the rally venue. He accused the government of benefiting a select group of 25 businessmen while neglecting common citizens. “For 25 people, he waived ₹16 lakh crore in loans. They do not waive off loans of the poor, farmers, labourers, students, and women,” he asserted.
He further criticized the government’s economic policies, including the implementation of a flawed Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the impact of demonetization, which he claimed has led to joblessness among the youth, including those in J-K. “This is the gift of Narendra Modi. This is his politics,” Gandhi remarked.
Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Modi’s monthly radio show, ‘Mann ki Baat,’ Gandhi noted that while the Prime Minister delivers long and “meaningless” speeches, he fails to address pressing national issues. “He only talks about his Mann Ki Baat and not Kaam ki Baat. Kaam ki Baat is to give jobs and vision to the youth, reduce and restore statehood to J-K. No one is listening to your Mann ki Baat anymore,” he said.
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