In a fiery address in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological mentor, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of spreading hate and violence across the country. Speaking to a large gathering on Monday, Gandhi charged the BJP with creating divisions among different communities, fueling discord in India’s diverse society.
“Wherever they go, they create divisions between castes, religions, states, and languages, trying to incite conflict,” said Gandhi. He claimed that the BJP was attempting to drive a wedge between the Pahari and Gujjar communities in Jammu and Kashmir, a project he said would ultimately fail. “Congress, on the other hand, will unite the people and give them their due rights,” he assured the crowd.
Highlighting the need to combat hate with love, Gandhi remarked, “Nafrat ko sirf mohabbat se kaata ja sakta hai. Ek taraf nafrat phailne wale log hain aur doosri taraf mohabbat ki dukaan kholne wale log hai. (Hate can only be overcome with love. On one side are those spreading hatred, and on the other, those promoting love).”
Gandhi reiterated that Congress’ vision is to bring everyone together without discrimination. “For us, everyone is equal, and no one will be left behind,” he said, assuring that his party would work to address the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Touching upon the political landscape, the Congress leader claimed that the opposition has gained strength since the last Lok Sabha elections and is united against what he termed the government’s ‘anti-people’ policies. According to Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now showing signs of stress and doubt, unlike before. “Narendra Modi has lost his confidence, and it is evident on his face. We have impacted his psychology, and he is not the same as he once was,” Gandhi said, underscoring the effect of the INDIA alliance on the government.
The Congress leader took a swipe at the BJP-led government for the abrogation of Article 370, which bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. “In the past, Union territories have been made into states, or states have been divided into new states. This is the first time in history that a state was downgraded into two Union Territories,” he said, questioning the move that stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its statehood.
Gandhi concluded by emphasizing that he is ready to address the issues of the people in Parliament. “Whatever you need me to do, just give me the instruction, and I will raise your voice in Parliament,” he said, promising to continue his fight for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The rally marked a significant moment in Congress’ outreach ahead of key upcoming elections, with Gandhi positioning his party as a force for unity and compassion in contrast to the BJP’s alleged divisive agenda.