Jammu, Dec 15: Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) working president Raman Bhalla on Sunday reaffirmed the party’s commitment to stand for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that development, dignity and peace in J&K remain the top priorities of the Congress.
He made these remarks during public interactions in various parts of the RS Pura Jammu South constituency. Speaking on the occasion, Bhalla urged the government to expedite preparations for Panchayat and Municipality elections. “The democracy that has prevailed here for so long is under threat. Instead of protecting that democracy, the BJP government has learned how to weaken it,” he said. He expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for its directions on holding Assembly elections in J&K, saying that it pushed the government towards announcing elections.
“But let me tell you this—no matter how much you try, BJP or PM Modi, you cannot suppress the voice of the people. In a democracy, the people’s voice is paramount. Congress will always support and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, respecting their hopes and aspirations,” Bhalla added.
Raman assured the people that Congress is committed to addressing issues related to “Jal, Jangal and Zameen (water, forest and land)”. “We will fight for your rights, and if anyone tries to take them away, we will not let it happen. Unemployment is surging, and countless vacancies in the state remain unfilled. Even the filled positions are often temporary, on daily wages, or contract-based. This exploitative trend was introduced by Modi ji. People may tolerate it for a while, but excesses eventually lead to resistance,” he said.
He also highlighted the rising inflation and exploitation of the poor, which, he said, are increasing across the country. He said Congress’s agenda has always been the restoration of statehood, along with development, dignity and peace in J&K. “Any laws that fail to safeguard the interests and rights of the people of J&K will not be acceptable to Congress,” he added.
Bhalla expressed confidence that a new government would fulfill its electoral promises to benefit all sections of society.
Addressing concerns raised by people in various districts, he said, “Electricity bills are rising rapidly, making them unaffordable for many families. Additionally, elderly citizens are awaiting their old-age pensions, which have been delayed for months. We hope the new government will release these pensions promptly and increase the amounts.”
He further said that both Jammu and Kashmir deserve equal treatment and reiterated Congress’s commitment to fighting for the rights of the people of Jammu as well. “Congress is always for the welfare of the people of J&K and will remain committed to this goal,” Bhalla said.
