Running Kashmir from Delhi does not make any sense: Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in India’s lower house, Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has said that running occupied Jammu and Kashmir from New Delhi does not make any sense and reiterated the demand for the restoration of its statehood.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Rahul Gandhi’s remarks came during an interaction with Kashmiri women when he visited Jammu and Kashmir last week, a video of which was released by the party on Monday.
“My problem with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is that he does not listen to anyone. I have a problem with someone who from the beginning believes that they are right. Even if he sees something that is showing him that he is wrong, he will not accept it. So then that type of person will always create some problem or the other,” Gandhi told the Kashmiri women.
In the video, Gandhi also talks about the upcoming elections in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and tells the women that it is the first time in Indian history that statehood has been taken away from a state.
In a message accompanying the video he posted on his YouTube channel, Gandhi said that during his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, he had the opportunity to meet several Kashmiri girl students in Srinagar.
“These girls are enrolled in various colleges, studying subjects like law, physics, journalism, and political science – I understood their expectations and challenges deeply. We spoke about the Kolkata incident and its broader implications, particularly regarding the harassment of women,” Gandhi said in his post.
The students shared their concerns about how such incidents reflect systemic issues that need addressing and how they impact women’s safety and dignity across regions, he said.
“In the conversation, we also discussed the upcoming J&K elections and their impact on real representation. I explained our position — to ensure that statehood is restored in J&K and the rights and representation of the people there are maintained,” the former Congress chief said. “They also emphasised on the importance of freedom of the press,” he said.
The women of Kashmir have strength, resilience, wisdom, and a lot to say, Gandhi said, and wondered whether they are being given a chance for their voices to be heard.”We need to ensure their safety, equal opportunity, and respect – and I am fully committed to this,” the Congress leader said.
