Rahul Gandhi Launches Congress Campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, Promises Restoration of Statehood

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi initiated his party's election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, promising the restoration of statehood. He expressed confidence in forming an alliance government next month. The assembly polls, held for the first time since the region’s bifurcation in 2019, will occur in three phases starting September 18.

Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, officially launched his party's election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, pledging to restore statehood to the Union territory. He assured the public that with the support of the INDIA bloc partners, this objective would be realized.

Speaking at an election rally in Sangaldan, Gandhi expressed confidence that an alliance government led by his party is imminent. The Congress is in collaboration with the National Conference for the upcoming assembly polls, which will take place in three phases: September 18, 25, and October 8. These elections mark the first such event since the region was divided into two Union Territories and its special status revoked in August 2019.

Gandhi criticized the BJP for not prioritizing the restoration of statehood before holding elections. He emphasized that his party and the INDIA alliance would exert pressure to ensure the region regains its statehood. Gandhi also remarked on the need to replace the current Lt Governor's administration with a democratically elected government and criticized the exploitation of local resources by outside contractors.

(With inputs from agencies.)