Jammu, Sep 21: All India Congress Committee (AICC) President and Leader of Opposition (LOP) in Rajay Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday accused the Narendra Modi led government at center for deliberately not restoring the Statehood status of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the priority of Congress is to restore Statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The state has never been changed to Union Territory. We are asking, why have you (Modi led BJP government) not given Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir when you have all the powers” Congress President Kharge said while addressing a press conference in Jammu.
He also accused BJP of delaying the restoration of Statehood, despite having the power to do so, and pointed out that rules in Jammu and Kashmir altered by ruling party to allow outsiders to dominate key sectors like mining and liquor contracts.
Replying on party’s stand on Article 370, he said, “We are firm on our manifesto and priority is restoration of Statehood. Rest is later. The party understand the importance of Darbar Move tradition for the economic prosperity of both Jammu and Kashmir regions and it is committed to restore it on priority.”
He alleged that BJP leaders including Prime Minister and Home Minister is mastered in making false promises, and their intensions are dubious on restoring statehood, which is evident from the recent order of union government where Lieutenant Governor was given more powers.
He said, “BJP’s promises, like providing 5 lakh jobs, are mere ‘jumlas’—empty slogans, adding, “Our Prime Minister and Home Minister are very famous in spreading lies and later takes U turn stating it as “Chunavi Jumlas”. But Congress is committed to fulfill all its promises made.”
Pak defence minister row
In response to accusations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah regarding support from Pakistan, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge questioned who had travelled to the neighbouring country to enjoy biryani and embrace former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Kharge said, “Whatever PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have said that Congress wants to resume talks with Pakistan, these are all lies. They want to divert the issue. We never went to eat Biryani and hug him (Nawaz Sharif).”
He was responding to Modi and Shah’s statements that “Pakistan and Congress were always on the same page and the party was hand in glove with anti-national forces”.
The PM and HM had stated this in reference to Pakistan’s defence minister Khawja Asif recent interview in which he claimed that Pakistan was on the same page with Congress-National Conference on Article 370 and Article 35 A.
NC Congress Collation
Defending his party’s decision to form a pre-poll alliance with the NC, he emphasized that the coalition formed to oppose the BJP was a necessity, not out of compulsion or surrender.
“This alliance was vital to defeat the BJP and protect the country’s integrity from their misdeeds, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Threat to Rahul Gandhi
The Congress President also condemned the use of threatening language against Rahul Gandhi, stating that the BJP is afraid of Rahul Gandhi’s growing popularity. “One BJP leader even called Rahul Gandhi a terrorist. We are not afraid of such threats, and we will continue to stand up for the truth,” he said.
Tirupati Balaji Prasad Row:
The Congress president said investigation is already underway and whatever action is required has to be taken. Action must be taken against those found responsible after the report.
Manipur
Attacking government on Manipur unrest, he said houses are being set ablaze but Modi as the PM can’t dare to visit Manipur. What they have to do with Rahul Gandhi’s visit to US? Kharge asked.
Congress promises
Kharge declared the party’s “seven guarantees” to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The first and most important promise is the restoration of statehood. Congress will leave no stone unturned in ensuring this”.
“The second is the right to health for every family, with Rs 25 lakh health insurance, affordable healthcare, mobile clinics at the tehsil level, and super-specialty hospitals in every district,” he said. Empowering women is also a priority, with Kharge promising Rs 3,000 for every woman head of the family.
He also assured the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, constitutional rights for OBCs, a caste-based census, and safeguarding of land and job rights for the people of J&K. Addressing the unemployment crisis, Kharge lamented that despite the BJP’s promise of 5 lakh jobs, 65 percent of vacancies remain unfilled, contributing to the 35 percent unemployment rate in the region.
