Srinagar: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and a prominent Congress leader, announced that restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would be the primary focus if his party wins the upcoming assembly elections. Addressing a large gathering in the Sangaldan area of Banihal district in the region known as Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Gandhi expressed his commitment to reversing the current Union Territory status of J and K.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Rahul Gandhi initiated the Congress party’s campaign for the assembly polls in IIOJK from the Banihal constituency with a public rally. The elections are set to commence with Banihal voting in the first phase on September 18. During his speech, Gandhi criticized the previous decisions that led to the downgrading of J and K’s status and compared it unfavorably to other regions in India that were either maintained or elevated in status.

Gandhi pointed out historical precedents where states were divided to form new ones or Union Territories were converted into full-fledged states. He accused the current BJP government of demeaning J and K by converting it into a Union Territory and alleged that these actions were intended to benefit two specific billionaires, though he did not name them.

Furthermore, Gandhi assured that the Congress, if brought to power, would prioritize filling government vacancies, raising the age limit for government jobs to 40, and improving the conditions for daily-wage earners by regularizing their employment and increasing their income.

Gandhi also expressed confidence in the success of the NC-Congress coalition in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the coalition’s commitment to governance reforms and economic improvements for the region.