Srinagar: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress, has voiced concerns over the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s policies in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which he claims favor outsiders at the expense of the local population. During election rallies in Sopore and Jammu, Gandhi criticized the administration’s practices under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, including the awarding of contracts and management of local resources, which he argued are contributing to economic hardships and high unemployment rates among the local youth.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Gandhi articulated that the current administration in IIOJK, directed by the BJP’s appointed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, is systematically prioritizing non-local interests. This approach is evident in various sectors, including mining and public contracts, where external entities are favored over local businesses and workforce. Gandhi emphasized that such policies are detrimental to the economic fabric of the region and are exacerbating the unemployment crisis among educated youth.

Gandhi also launched a broader critique of the BJP’s national policies, accusing the party of using central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Income Tax Department to suppress political dissent. He highlighted the discrepancies in the ‘Make in India’ initiative, alleging that major contracts are being secured by billionaires, particularly pointing out that defense contracts claimed to be part of domestic production were actually tied to foreign firms but branded under Indian names.

Expanding on his critique, Gandhi claimed that influential industrialists are gaining control over critical sectors including airports, ports, roads, and even agriculture, with significant implications for economic policies and tax revenue. He expressed concern over the government’s financial priorities, noting the substantial loan waivers granted to wealthy individuals while local businesses and farmers in IIOJK continue to struggle without adequate government support.

Gandhi’s statements underline a deep-seated issue of economic disparity and political maneuvering in IIOJK, setting the stage for further political debate as the region grapples with these challenges.