• Promises 1 lakh jobs, super speciality hospital in every district
• BJP’s empty promises fail to address J&K’s unemployment issue
• Alliance with NC must to counter BJP
Srinagar, Sept 21: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday, outlined his party’s key commitments for Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the upcoming second phase of assembly elections. Among the top priorities highlighted were the restoration of statehood, the revival of the “Darbar Move,” and the filling of one lakh vacant government positions.
Addressing a press conference, Kharge, who is campaigning in Jammu, stated, “If the Congress government is elected, our first step will be to restore statehood, followed by revitalizing the Darbar Move to boost tourism and improve local livelihoods.”
He criticized the BJP’s governance, accusing them of exploiting distractions, particularly referencing comments from Pakistan’s Defence Minister regarding Article 370, as tactics to divert attention from their failures.
“The BJP has done nothing for the people of Jammu and Kashmir over the past ten years. Now, in election season, they are shamelessly bringing up irrelevant issues to mask their incompetence,” Kharge asserted. He emphasized that Congress aims to address pressing concerns like unemployment and developmental delays, rather than sidestepping these issues with false narratives.
Kharge defended his party’s pre-poll alliance with the National Conference (NC), clarifying that it was a strategic necessity to challenge the BJP rather than an act of concession. “This alliance is crucial to protect the integrity of our country, especially in Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated.
Kharge lamented the high unemployment rate in the region, stating, “Despite the BJP’s promise of five lakh jobs, 65 percent of positions remain unfilled. What has the BJP done for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir?”
“Empowering women is also a priority, with Kharge promising Rs 3,000 for every woman head of the family.”
He further accused the BJP of delaying the restoration of statehood, despite having the power to do so, and pointed out that the ruling party has allowed outsiders to dominate key sectors like mining and liquor contracts.
“Why has the BJP delayed restoring statehood when they hold all the power? The people of J&K deserve better governance, and the BJP has failed to deliver,” Kharge questioned.
He also assured the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, constitutional rights for OBCs, a caste-based census, and safeguarding of land and job rights for the people of J&K.
He praised Congress’s past initiatives, such as the Food Security Act and the launch of MNREGA, highlighting the party’s historical commitment to development. “While the BJP takes credit for our projects, they have failed to deliver meaningful change,” he claimed.
Kharge condemned the BJP’s lack of a clear vision for the region and criticized their leadership for allowing outsiders to dominate key sectors. He also addressed the rising political rhetoric against Congress leaders, stating, “BJP leaders are afraid of Rahul Gandhi’s popularity, evidenced by their desperate and provocative remarks.”
He emphasized that the BJP’s duplicity has been exposed, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah thrive on “jumlabajee” – making empty promises to garner votes.
He also condemned the use of threatening language against Rahul Gandhi, stating that the BJP is afraid of Rahul Gandhi’s growing popularity.
“One BJP leader even called Rahul Gandhi a terrorist. We are not afraid of such threats, and we will continue to stand up for the truth,” he affirmed.
Kharge said LG here has more power than the Chief Minister, then why has he not given jobs till now?
“There is 35% unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir and 65% government posts are vacant here. BJP had a lot of time, their LG also had power, but they did not fill the vacant posts,” he said.
Kharge said that earlier people here used to get 11 kg of grains; BJP reduced it to 5 kg. As soon as Congress comes to power, it will fill the vacant posts and provide an 11 kg ration,” he said.
He said Home Minister Amit Shah makes big statements during campaigning but later says that these were m
“BJP is saying that it will provide 5 lakh jobs. In such a situation, the question is that you are in the government, then why did you not provide jobs. But Congress does what it says… hence we will recruit for 1 lakh posts,” he added.
Accusing BJP of not doing anything for Union Territory, Kharge said Congress also promises monthly benefits of Rs 3,000 will be given to women heads of families.
“An interest-free loan of Rs 5 lakh will also be given to women. OBCs to get their rights as enshrined in the Constitution. One lakh jobs are vacant when we come into power and will notify them immediately,” he added.
He also promised mobile clinics in every tehsil, and super-specialty hospitals in every district.
On being asked about BJP leader Devinder Rana’s statement of NC leader Omar Abdullah meeting BJP, Congress president said that was past and now we are in alliance.
He further said BJP leaders make provocative and objectionable statements against Rahul Gandhi. Why doesn’t Narendra Modi take action against them, because he himself is afraid.
“These people had stayed at home out of fear even at the time of independence. But the people of Congress were not afraid. They fought for independence, made sacrifices and got freedom for the country. Even today Congress is not going to be afraid,” he said.
The Congress leader concluded by reaffirming his party’s dedication to the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that they would prioritize the needs of its citizens, work towards a full state status, and combat the BJP’s misleading narratives.
Later, Kharge participated in a mega rally in Khour Jammu to support Tara Chand, a prominent Congress figure and former Deputy Chief Minister of the region.
“Seven guarantees” to J&K
Restoration of statehood.
Health insurance of ₹25 lakh for every family.
Empowerment of women through direct financial support.
Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
Rights for OBCs and a caste-based census.
Safeguards for land and job rights.
Financial assistance for farmers, including crop insurance and a minimum support price for apples.
