SRINAGAR: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday initiated discussions with party workers in Srinagar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir
Addressing party workers, Rahul Gandhi said that restoring statehood for the region is a top priority for the party
In his speech, Gandhi stressed that upon learning of the upcoming elections in JK, he and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge decided to visit the region first, signalling Congress’ commitment to representing JK.
He reiterated that the party’s efforts to restore statehood are of paramount importance and vowed to protect the constitution and alleviate the pain and fear felt by the people.
Rahul Gandhi said that a coalition in JK is certain, but it will not come at the expense of the interests of Congress workers and leaders. ‘Rest assured, there will be no compromise on the interests and respect of our party workers and leaders.”
Gandhi also shared personal anecdotes, reflecting on his deep bond with the people of JK and underscored that his efforts were personal rather than political. He praised Congress workers for their fearless work in the region and assured that any alliances would respect the views of the party’s members.
He concluded by saying that the INDIA alliance had humbled Prime Minister Modi in parliamentary elections , calling it a victory of Congress’ ideology through unity and love. Gandhi left the youth of JK with the message: “In the market of hatred, we must open a shop of love.”
Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases — September 18, September 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will be held on October 4.
On Wednesday, Gandhi and Kharge received a rousing welcome from Congress workers and supporters upon their arrival at the airport here.
After wrapping up their interactions here, the two Congress leaders would fly to Jammu where they would hold discussions with party workers of the 10 districts in the Jammu region.
