Rahul Gandhi Visits Srinagar to Strengthen Local Ties and Address Statehood Issues

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Srinagar on August 22, 2024, in a strategic effort to connect with the local populace and address political concerns regarding statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.

During his stay, Mr. Gandhi dined at the historic Ahdoos Restaurant, renowned for its local cuisine and over a century of service. Accompanied by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, he engaged with both staff and diners, underscoring his aim to strengthen relationships with the people.

Mr. Gandhi savored dishes from the Wazwan, a traditional Kashmiri meal often associated with weddings. Later, he visited an ice cream parlour in Lal Chowk, where he interacted with locals, expressing his deep fondness for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating he loves them rather than merely liking them.

Referencing his familial ties to the region, Mr. Gandhi emphasized his long-standing connection to Kashmir, saying, “I have a blood relation with Kashmir.” He reiterated this emotional bond while addressing Congress workers in Jammu, describing his relationship as one of love and family.

Addressing the media, Mr. Gandhi pledged that restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would be a top priority for the Congress party and the newly formed INDIA alliance. He expressed hopes that this restoration could occur promptly after the upcoming assembly elections.

The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are set to take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, marking the first elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. This abrogation led to Jammu and Kashmir losing its special status and being divided into two union territories.

During his statements, Mr. Gandhi remarked on the historical significance of the state being downgraded to a union territory, asserting, “This has never happened before.” He conveyed the Congress party’s commitment to restoring democratic rights for the citizens of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Throughout his visit, Mr. Gandhi and Mr. Kharge maintained that the Congress party would not compromise the interests of its workers regarding electoral alliances. They met with leaders from the National Conference, including Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah, to further solidify an alliance aimed at countering divisive politics in the elections.