Bishnah (Jammu), Sep 28 (UNI) Ridiculing BJP’s “Naya Kashmir” hollow slogan, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Saturday said that Jammu and Kashmir has plunged into unprecedented crisis due to misdeeds and misdemeanours of the saffron party during the last 10 years.
Addressing a public gathering here, some 20 kilometers from Jammu city in support of Congress candidate Neeraj Kundan, She assured the people that Congress would restore their dignity and honour, which the BJP has brazenly snatched during the last 10 years.
She vowed to restore J&K’s statehood and revive the 150-year-old Darbar Move practice and also promised to protect land and jobs for J&K residents and end smart meter installations.
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Pending bills of power tariff of domestic connections will be waived off, and the rehabilitation process for Kashmir Pandits, initiated during Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure, will resume”, the Congress leader assured.
“This land holds a special place in my family’s heart. My grandmother, who was martyred, always wanted to visit Kashmir, and I fondly remember her taking me to the Kheer Bhawani temple just a few days before her martyrdom. This land is not just a political constituency; it’s a part of our family’s heritage. The love and affection I receive from J&K is unparalleled”, she emotionally said in her speech.
“I am saddened to see how the BJP has treated J&K as a political tool to reap benefits and evoke emotions in other parts of the country,” Priyanka said, adding, “BJP government has snatched your statehood, land, and job rights”.
Coming down heavily on the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly treating this region as a colony, the AICC General Secretary regretted, “The LG is ruling like a dictator, looting J&K without accountability, and facilitating big corporate houses”.
“Outsiders are exploiting your resources, and your youth are struggling to find employment”, she further pointed out, adding, “Policies are framed and implemented in Jammu and Kashmir only to benefit outsiders”.
“The people of J&K have suffered immensely. Demonetization and GST have crippled businesses, leading to huge unemployment. Paper leakage scams, recruitment scams, and the Jal Jeevan Mission scam have plagued the region,” she pointed out, adding, “A Dalit officer who exposed the scam was humiliated and snubbed. This is unacceptable”.
Highlighting issues confronting the youth of J&K, Priyanka Gandhi said, “sixty-five percent of posts in different government departments are vacant”.
The Congress leader termed the Agniveer scheme as an insult to the youth.
“Alienation among youth has increased, leading to drug addiction”, she further said.
“The BJP has imposed toll taxes, smart meters, and unprecedented power tariff hikes. How can a government justify such anti-people policies?”, Priyanka asked.
Ridiculing BJP’s claim of containing terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress General Secetary quoted some figures to counter such fake claims.
“Terrorism has increased, with 683 attacks claiming 260 security personnel and 170 civilian lives”, she said.
Assuring the restore the Darbar Move, Priyanka said, “The 150-year-old Darbar Move tradition was stopped without reason, crippling Jammu’s economy. What benefits have the people of J&K gained since losing statehood? For ten long years, you couldn’t elect your representatives”.
Pointing towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election speeches in J&K she said, “Instead of addressing real issues, the Prime Minister spent 20 minutes of his 45-minute speech attacking my family. This is not leadership; this is evasion. We demand answers, not rhetoric. The BJP’s misdeeds have plunged J&K into unprecedented crisis”.
“We will restore your statehood, revive the Darbar Move tradition, provide job and land rights, fill one lakh vacant posts, and offer an unemployment package worth Rs 3500. We’ll also provide Rs 25 lakh health insurance, stop smart meter installation, and waive domestic power tariffs”, the Congress leader promised.
“Look at the performance of Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal governments. We have a vision for J&K’s prosperity. Neeraj Kundan, a young and intelligent leader, embodies Jammu’s spirit. We will support leaders like him to ensure J&K’s bright future”, Priyanka Gandhi said while seeking support for the Congress candidate.
“Together, let’s rebuild J&K and restore its lost glory. Let’s reclaim your rights, your dignity, and your prosperity. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and our beloved Jammu and Kashmir”, she said.
“I urge you to join hands with us and elect Neeraj Kundan, a true son of Jammu, to represent you. Let’s write a new chapter in J&K’s history, one of hope, development, and peace”, the Congress leader said while concluding her speech.
Meanwhile, Congress questioned the Union Territory administration over the failure to facilitate Priyanka Gandhi chopper to address an election rally in Billawar in support of party candidate Dr Manohar Lal.
Seeking answers, Senior Vice president and chief spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress Committee (JKPCC) Ravinder Sharma alleged, “Priyanka Gandhi’s Billawar rally was shamelessly sabotaged by the administration. The landing spot of her chopper was set up in an isolated place, over 35 kilometers away from the rally spot.”
He demanded enquiry besides urging Election Commission to look into the matter.
AICC secretary Manoj Yadav, Divya Maderna and other senior leaders were also present.
