BJP leaders made J&K pawn in their political chess: Priyanka

Jammu, Sep 28: Senior Congress leader and All Indian Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Saturday accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership of “turning J&K a pawn” of “its political chess.”

Blaming them for snatching all democratic rights of people of Jammu and Kashmir, including statehood, right to vote, land and job during the last ten years, she assured that Congress, after forming government, would restore them (rights) and work to strengthen people.

To strike an emotional chord with people of J&K, she reminisced about her visit to Kashmir and in particular Kheer Bhawani, with her grandmother Indira Gandhi, just days before her assassination.

She said that Jammu and Kashmir plunged into an unprecedented crisis due to misdeeds and misdemeanours of the BJP during the last ten years.

Priyanka was addressing an election rally at Bishnah in support of Congress candidate Neeraj Kundan. This was her maiden rally during the ongoing assembly election.

She was also scheduled to address an election rally in Billawar. However, she could not do so as her chopper did not get clearance for landing there.

Priyanka assured the people that Congress would restore their dignity and honour, which she alleged “brazenly snatched by BJP during the last ten years.”

She also assured to restore J&K's statehood and revive the 150-year-old Darbar Move practice. Besides, she promised to protect land and jobs for J&K residents and end smart meter installations.

“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,” she 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 struck an emotional chord with the crowd at the very outset of her address.

“I’m 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,” she said, alleging, “BJP government has snatched your statehood, land, and job rights.” She alleged that the Lieutenant Governor was “ruling like an autocrat without accountability and facilitating big corporate houses.”

“Outsiders are exploiting your resources and your youth are struggling to find employment,” she further alleged, 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.

Highlighting issues confronting the youth of J&K, Priyanka said, “Sixty-five percent of posts in different government departments are vacant.” “Alienation among youth has increased, leading to drug addiction,” Priyanka alleged, while referring to the Agniveer scheme.

“The BJP has imposed toll taxes, smart meters, and unprecedented power tariff hikes. How can a government justify such anti-people policies?” she asked.

“Terrorism has increased, with 683 attacks claiming 260 security personnel and 170 civilian lives,” she said.

She alleged, “Instead of addressing real issues, the Prime Minister only criticises my family. We demand answers, not rhetoric.”

“We will fill one lakh vacant posts and offer an unemployment package worth Rs 3500. We'll also provide Rs 25 lakh health insurance,” she promised, adding, “We have a vision for J&K's prosperity.”

“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, while seeking support to party candidates.

Meanwhile, Congress questioned the Union Territory administration over the failure to facilitate Priyanka Gandhi’s chopper to address an election rally in Billawar in support of party candidate Dr Manohar Lal.

Senior Vice president and Chief Spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress Committee (JKPCC) Ravinder Sharma demanded enquiry besides urging Election Commission to look into the matter.