Rahul Gandhi Demands Restoration of Article 370, Accuses BJP of Spreading Hate

Rahul Gandhi, addressing a rally in Poonch, J&K, called for restoring Article 370 and returning statehood. He accused the BJP of spreading hate and attempting to divide communities. Gandhi urged Congress leaders to support National Conference candidates in the upcoming elections, aiming for unity against BJP’s divisive politics.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition, emphasized the urgent need to restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir during a rally in Poonch on Monday. He asserted that reinstating statehood is the top priority for both the National Conference and the Congress party.

Gandhi criticized the central government's control, stating, "It is for the first time in Indian history that statehood has been revoked. Your democratic rights have been taken away. That is why we demand the return of statehood." He also accused the BJP of engaging in divisive politics across several states, including J&K, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Manipur, by fostering hatred and violence.

In response to BJP's accusations against the National Conference regarding community development, Gandhi condemned the BJP's "divide and rule" strategy. He guaranteed that such tactics would fail and stressed the unity of the Congress-NC alliance. He urged Congress members to fully support National Conference candidates in the elections for Jammu and Kashmir's 90 Assembly seats, the first election since the abrogation of Article 370. Voting is scheduled for September 25 and October 1, with results announced on October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)