Restore statehood to J&K, hold assembly polls: Congress

Srinagar, July 29: Bharat Singh Solanki, the Congress’ Jammu and Kashmir affairs in-charge, on Monday criticised the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre for ruling Union Territory by "proxy" and avoid holding assembly elections.

Solanki is in Jammu and Kashmir to attend the political affairs committee meeting of the Pradesh Congress Committee. He accused BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, of failing to deliver on their promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The BJP does not want to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir; they want to rule by proxy. That is why it has given more powers to dispensation . Jammu and Kashmir has been made weaker than Puducherry," Solanki told reporters here.

The Supreme Court has directed the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir "at the earliest" and mandated assembly elections be held by September 30, 2024.

"They made promises about bringing prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir and ending terrorism here. But on the contrary, terrorism has increased in both the Jammu region and the Kashmir region," the Congress leader asserted.

Solanki said that leaders from Jammu and Kashmir have invited Rahul Gandhi to visit the Union Territory. "He has accepted the invite and will carry forward the mission he started with the Bharat Jodo Yatra. He told the leaders to meet people and identify the issues that need to be addressed," Solanki added.

The Congress, according to Solanki, plans to launch a mass contact program aimed at preparing a "people’s manifesto" for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. This initiative will involve extensive consultations with the public to ensure their concerns and needs are reflected in the party’s agenda.

When questioned about the Congress' potential alliance with the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, Solanki said that a decision will be made based on feedback gathered during the mass contact program.

This political maneuvering comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions and political uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress’ efforts to connect with the populace and address their issues indicate a strategic move to regain trust and political ground in the volatile Union Territory.