Jammu, Sept 21: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) working president Raman Bhalla on Saturday said the party guarantees the rights of Jammu & Kashmir and aims to restore its status as a full-fledged state.
Addressing a series of election meetings in RS Pura Wards 8, 9, 10, Nari, Gagian, Miran Sahib, Sainik Colony and Greater Kailash, he outlined seven key promises made by the Congress ahead of the assembly elections, which he believes will energise the youth by creating one lakh government jobs.
He highlighted commitments such as free medical treatment up to Rs 25 lakh for each family and establishing a super-speciality hospital in every district, aimed at fostering a healthier society. He also promised financial support of Rs 3,000 per month for women heads of households and food security through 11 kg of grain for each family member.
“We will provide additional annual support of Rs 4,000 for landless, tenant and land-owning farming households, as well as 99-year leases for landless farmers cultivating state land,” the Congress leader said. He announced a Rs 2,500 crore fund for district-level irrigation projects to ensure 100% irrigation for farmers in Jammu & Kashmir, along with an unemployment allowance of up to Rs 3,500 per month for qualified youths for one year.
Bhalla said the recent parliamentary elections have sent a clear message about the Congress Party’s major role in the political landscape. He praised the electorate for their “wholehearted support”, which is evident from the impressive turnout in the Jammu division. “The next government in Jammu & Kashmir will be formed by Congress,” he added.
The Congress leader criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its “fragility”, citing their lowest winning margin and a lack of credibility. “The BJP’s leaders relied on Prime Minister Modi’s name for votes due to their dismal individual performances. Their tenure has seen a decline in development and job creation,” he said.
Bhalla said the recent vote for Congress reflects support for its inclusive politics and rejection of divisive approaches which are detrimental to societal harmony. The BJP is intolerant toward dissent and peaceful protests, which is an affront to democracy in J&K,” he said, adding, “The misgovernance over the past decade has regressed development and welfare efforts, leaving the people feeling alienated.”
The JKPCC leader called for the restoration of statehood to Jammu & Kashmir and collaboration among like-minded parties dedicated to “restoring” the rights of the people. “Congress will not rest until statehood is restored and democratic rights are reinstated,” he said.
