Rahul Gandhi: Congress MP and LoP Rahul Gandhi visited Jammu and Kashmir to address Congress workers amid the upcoming assembly elections. The visit of Gandhi comes at a time when the Election Commission has announced polls in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases, with results to be declared on October 4. The announcement has triggered preparations across various political parties, including the Congress.
Rahul Gandhi’s Call for Embracing Love Over Hatred
Rahul Gandhi, in his address, voiced an emotional speech focussing on love and unity. Rahul Gandhi attacked the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, saying that the defeat in the Lok Sabha elections was not solely due to his efforts but reflected the ideology of the Congress Party. “The Bharat Alliance has broken the confidence of Narendra Modi. He has been beaten not by Rahul Gandhi but by the ideology of Congress Party, Bharat Alliance, love, unity, and respect,” said Gandhi. He implored the people of Jammu and Kashmir, more so the youth, to embrace love over hatred, emphasizing, “We have to open a shop of love in the market of hatred. Hatred can be defeated by love.”
Solidarity with Congress Workers
Rahul Gandhi also expressed deep solidarity with the Congress workers in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that they are not just party workers but part of the Congress family. “You are not labourers, you are family members,” he asserted. He also said Jammu and Kashmir representation is imperative as per the historical background wherein status of a state was reduced to union territory—the first time such a thing has happened in post independence India. He reassured people that their representation remains a priority for Congress and their state status is vital.
He also spoke of his personal affinity to the region. “I don’t just like the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I love them,” he said while referring to the long association between the Congress Party and the people of the state. He acknowledged the confidence and fearlessness of Congress workers in Jammu and Kashmir and assured that any alliance formed for the assembly elections would respect and honor their contributions.