Rahul Gandhi: In a rally full of fire and vitriol, held at Ramban in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the BJP and all its affiliates with acerbity, accusing them of encouraging divisive politics and spreading hate across the country. Encouraged by the packed stadium, the seat of the rally, Gandhi said, “His party worked for national integration and the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
BJP, RSS Accused of Divisive Tactics
Rahul Gandhi took a snipe at the BJP and RSS for their role in ensuring that communal discord was created and national unity got fractured. “BJP and RSS are working to divide this country,” he said, promising that Congress party would do its best to mend those divisions. He drew a strong difference between the earlier persona of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and how he comes across at this juncture: “Modi used to walk with his chest puffed out earlier. After the Lok Sabha elections, he now comes with his shoulders bent.”
Restoring Statehood, Promises of Equity
Gandhi’s rally was heavy on promises regarding Jammu and Kashmir. He promised to revert the statehood status of the region, which the current government has downgraded to Union Territory status. “Statehood was snatched from Jammu and Kashmir, and we will give it back,” affirmed Gandhi. He accused the current governance of being a monarchical rule under the Lieutenant Governor and promised to restore democratic principles.
Criticism of Modi’s Governance and Alignments
The Congress leader also attacked PM Modi’s style of governance and alignment, especially with leading business tycoons. “The entire government is being run for two billionaires,” accused Gandhi, pointing his finger toward the industrialists Adani and Ambani. He expressed dissatisfaction over the way power projects in Jammu and Kashmir were being dealt with by saying that locals are not benefiting from these projects, and they charge higher rates for electricity.
On the economic issues, too, he attacked Modi’s policy of demonetization and GST, which, according to him, hurt the small businesses. He even insinuated that the corporate interests had a hold on the current dispensation, even going to the extent of coining a phrase “Hum Do Hamare Do” as a description for what was claimed to be nexus between Modi, Shah, and major industrialists.
Commitment of Congress Party to Local Issues
He assured during his speech that the government under the Congress-led dispensation would be able to listen to local grievances-additional job security for daily wage workers and augmenting their incomes. During his address, he underlined the need for a government which serves all citizens, promotes respect and brotherhood.
Dates of Poll, and Congress Campaign
The remarks from him come at a time when the elections to Jammu and Kashmir are due on September 18, 25, and October 1. His remarks reflect the strategic positioning of the Congress party in the light of the close election schedule. After showing its determination to contest the election robustly and thus win the region’s legislative seats, the party declared a list of star campaigners, a total of 40 in all, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi.
The rally by Rahul Gandhi in the Ramban district upped the ante on the apparent strategy by the Congress party to win regional anger, protests against the policy of the ruling party, and rallies behind a guard change.
