Rahul Gandhi Vows to Restore J&K Statehood, Criticizes Centre's Decision

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated the opposition's commitment to pressurize the Centre to restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood at a public rally in Sopore. He emphasized that downgrading a state into a 'union territory' was unprecedented, and the INDIA bloc would fight for J&K's restoration.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday reaffirmed the opposition's determination to exert full pressure on the Centre to reinstate Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Speaking at a public rally in Sopore, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha highlighted the historical injustice served when Jammu and Kashmir was downgraded to a 'union territory' for the first time in history. He asserted that the INDIA bloc would vigorously advocate for its restoration.

'We wanted statehood restored before elections. All the people of Jammu and Kashmir desired elections post statehood restoration. The primary issue is your statehood,' Gandhi stated. 'Several UTs have been upgraded to states while states have been bifurcated. However, turning a state into a Union Territory is unprecedented. The initial step is elections, but the restoration of J&K's statehood must follow,' he added. 'The INDIA Alliance will pressure PM Modi in Parliament regarding this matter. If they fail, we will restore your statehood immediately upon forming the government at the centre,' Gandhi further reiterated. 'To enable our apples to reach America and Japan, statehood restoration is essential,' he emphasized.

Significantly, Rahul Gandhi's rally occurred in tandem with the second phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir, the first in a decade. The voter turnout was recorded at 46.12 percent by 3 PM on Wednesday, as per the Election Commission. The Congress party, in alliance with the National Conference, is contesting for 32 seats while the NC aims for 51 of the 90 Assembly seats.

Voting for the second phase began at 7 AM, with over 25 lakh eligible voters set to decide the fate of 239 candidates across 26 constituencies in six districts of the Union Territory. Specifically, 25,78,099 voters are eligible, including 13,12,730 male voters, 12,65,316 female voters, and 53 third-gender voters. The last phase of polls is scheduled for October 1, and vote counting will occur on October 8.