Kharge Calls for Opposition Unity in J&K, Vows to Restore Statehood
22 Aug 2024 14:32:52
Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasised the need for unity in Jammu and Kashmir, urging all opposition parties to join forces.
Speaking on recent parliamentary developments, he noted that the BJP, under pressure, had to either withdraw or refer several bills, including the controversial Waqf Board Amendment Bill, to the Joint Parliamentary Committee due to strong opposition. Kharge reiterated the Congress party's commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Before that, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reiterated the Congress Party and the INDIA alliance’s commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed disappointment that this was not done before the upcoming elections but acknowledged the declaration of elections as a positive step. Gandhi emphasised the urgency of restoring the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge are on a two-day tour of Jammu and Kashmir, having arrived in Srinagar last evening. Since their arrival, they have held meetings with various parties and addressed these points during a press conference held this morning.
The Election Commission of India has announced assembly elections for Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, marking the first major political contest since the Lok Sabha elections.
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls are especially noteworthy as they will be the first in a decade and follow the region's special status revocation. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held in three phases starting September 18, with counting scheduled for October 4.
The polls in Jammu and Kashmir will mark the first since the region's special status was revoked in August 2019. Meanwhile, Haryana will vote in a single phase on October 1, with results to be counted on October 4.
A total of 90 assembly constituencies will go to the polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The last assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir was held in 2014.