– Abdul Bari Masoud
Anantnag, Sep 5: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has strongly accused the BJP and RSS of spreading hatred and violence across the country. In a rally held in Ramban and Anantnag, Gandhi emphasized the need to fight against the ideology of hate propagated by the RSS.
Gandhi made a firm promise to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, assuring them that the statehood of the region would be restored. “Come what may, the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir will be restored,” he declared.
He pointed out that it was unprecedented in the history of India for a state to be downgraded to a union territory. He accused the BJP of weakening the Constitution and seizing control of institutions across the country. Referring to the abrogation of J&K statehood, he said, “You faced the attack directly.”
Reiterating his commitment to restoring statehood, Gandhi asserted that the Opposition now plays a pivotal role in the governance of the country, often forcing the government to backtrack on its decisions. He highlighted how the Opposition made the BJP government withdraw its plans for “lateral entry” into civil services and how the RSS had begun to accept the idea of a “caste census,” which it had previously opposed.
Gandhi framed the current political scenario as a battle of ideologies, with the INDIA bloc on one side and the BJP/RSS on the other. He stated that while the INDIA bloc spreads love, harmony, and dignity, the BJP/RSS are driven by hatred.
Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi said that the Prime Minister’s confidence had been shaken since the 2024 General Election results, noting that Modi was no longer boasting about his “56-inch chest.” He also criticized the NDA government for acting in the interest of a few, claiming that Modi and Amit Shah were working primarily for industrialists Adani and Ambani.
Recalling his experience in Parliament, Gandhi mentioned how he was barred from naming the two industrialists, leading him to refer to them as A-1 and A-2. He warned that the BJP, which has been capturing institutions like the Election Commission and the media, would also target J&K resources, placing RSS supporters in key positions.
Gandhi further criticized Amit Shah’s son for his rise in the cricket administration, highlighting that despite having no experience in cricket, he became BCCI Secretary and later Chairman of International Cricket Council.
He also took aim at J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, likening him to an outdated “raja” who rules without a mandate and is unaccountable. “Jammu and Kashmir needs peace, progress, and prosperity, and we will ensure it,” he declared, receiving enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Prominent leaders present at the rally included National Conference president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, GA Mir, PCC president Tariq Hamid Qarra, AICC in-charge for J&K Bharatsinh Solanki, former PCC presidents Vikar Rasool and Peerzada Mohd. Sayeed, and NC MP Mian Altaf Ahmed.
