New Delhi, Aug 17 (KNS): The Indian National Congress (INC) has welcomed the announcement of elections in Jammu & Kashmir, expressing its readiness to contest and secure the Constitutional rights of the people in the region. The announcement follows the Supreme Court's deadline for the conduct of elections, a development that Congress had been strongly advocating for.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the urgency of holding elections to end what he described as the "rule by bureaucracy" in Jammu & Kashmir. Kharge criticized the Modi government's attempts to tighten its grip on the state administration, particularly highlighting the recent amendment to the Rules under Section 55 of the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, which granted additional powers to the Lieutenant Governor (LG).
In a move that has raised eyebrows, the Modi government orchestrated a sudden reshuffling of bureaucrats just hours before the election announcement. The Congress alleges that this is another example of the BJP's "undemocratic tactics" aimed at controlling the region, which has faced several "electoral experiments" over the past decade.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Kharge also expressed deep concern over the recent surge in terrorist incidents, especially in the Jammu region, where 18 Army and security personnel have lost their lives in 27 attacks since June 9. The Congress leader highlighted the plight of Kashmiri Pandits and migrant workers, who have faced targeted attacks over the years.
In his statement, Kharge pointed out the disenfranchisement of Ladakh, which, under the original Jammu and Kashmir legislature, had four Assembly seats but will now be left without any directly elected MLA. He emphasized that the people of Jammu & Kashmir are yearning for change and looking towards the Congress and its allies to bring justice.
As the election approaches, Kharge called on Congress workers to reach out to the people and work tirelessly to ensure a victory for the party in the state. (KNS)