JAMMU, SEPT 21: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday cautioned the people of Jammu and Kashmir against the BJP’s “deceitful tactics,” accusing the party of diverting attention from its failure to address key issues in the region.
Speaking in Jammu, Kharge criticized the BJP for exploiting distractions, including Pakistan’s comments on Article 370, to mask its governance shortcomings. He accused the BJP of neglecting Jammu and Kashmir for 10 years, stating that the party had done little beyond making empty promises. “During elections, the BJP is shamelessly raising irrelevant issues to hide its failures,” Kharge said.
Kharge defended Congress’ pre-poll alliance with the National Conference (NC), emphasizing that it was necessary to counter the BJP and protect the region’s dignity. He promised that Congress would prioritize the restoration of statehood and revive the “Darbar Move” tradition for economic prosperity.
He also announced Congress’ “seven guarantees” for the people of J&K, focusing on the restoration of statehood, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and employment. The guarantees include Rs 25 lakh in health insurance for every family, Rs 3,000 per month for women heads of families, and rehabilitation for Kashmiri Pandits.
Kharge highlighted Congress’ plans to tackle unemployment, promising an allowance of up to Rs 3,500 per month for one year for unemployed youth and filling 1 lakh government vacancies within 30 days.
Kharge accused the BJP of delaying statehood restoration and allowing outsiders to dominate key sectors like mining. He also condemned threats against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, vowing to continue fighting for the truth.
The Congress leader concluded by emphasizing the party’s commitment to the welfare of the people, contrasting it with the BJP’s “jumlas” (empty slogans) and broken promises.
