Jammu: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that the representation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and giving back the statehood is most important for the Congress, adding that there is a "battle of ideologies" between Congress and RSS."
Addressing the people of Jammu, the LoP emphasised the culture of Jammu and said that it's a land of Maa Vaishno devi, adding that the people here have different thinking and styles.
"Jammu has a culture, a history, it's a land of Maa Vaishno devi, your lifestyle and thinking style are different. Every state has a different style, we want all these cultures, history and languages to be protected. We want your voice in your govt. BJP has a different thinking, they want to run the entire country from Nagpur, through remote control. The complaint that you are making is that outsiders are getting benefits, if you go to Maharashtra, you'll hear a similar complaint," he said.
"We want statehood for you, that is in your heart. We want you to run your state the way you want to, this is the message we came to convey," he added.
Rahul Gandhi further said that his relationship with the people of Jammu is of love and family.
"My relation with you all is that of love and family. My family comes from your state, so you have to keep in mind that I am your soldier in Delhi. Whatever you want... my doors are always open for you," he said.
He further asserted that the assembly elections are a battle of ideologies between Congress and RSS.
"Alliance is happening... I want our workers and commanders to get respect from whatever alliance takes place. You fight for us and it's a battle of ideologies - between Congress and RSS... I sit in parliament, I see him (PM Modi). I can tell you that you have finished the confidence of PM Modi. Congress workers have given so much psychological tension to him that his psychology has collapsed," he said.
Rahul Gandhi said, "You know your sipahi is in Delhi. Anything you want you can tell me I will do that."
Earlier today, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge along with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi met National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
"We, along with Rahul Gandhi had a warm courtesy meeting with JKNC President, Farooq Abdullah and JKNC Vice President, Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, today," the Congress chief posted on X.
The National Conference and the Congress will contest the forthcoming assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir together and have formed an alliance. The formal announcement of the tie-up was made by NC patron Farooq Abdullah in Srinagar on Thursday. The announcement was made after Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
"The alliance has been finalised and by this evening the details of seat-sharing will be announced. The Alliance is for 90 seats," Farooq Abdullah said.
"People have suffered much in the last 10 years. Statehood is the prime concern for us. And we want all the powers of the state. Our common program is to fight divisive forces. Our doors are open for all, let's first win the election. My heart is happy today," the NC patron added.
When asked if he will contest the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Farooq Abdullah candidly said, "...It's better if you don't me ask me this question. I will not answer it."
The Congress and the NC had fought the Lok Sabha elections in an alliance with each other. The National Conference won two seats - Anantnag and Srinagar. The Congress could not win any seat.
Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1. The results will be announced on October 4. The Election Commission has issued notification for the first phase of assembly seats for 24 seats. This is the first assembly poll in Jammu and Kashmir since abrogation of Article 370.
—ANI