Srinagar, Aug 22: The visit of Congress party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to Kashmir has generated immense enthusiasm among party workers and boosted their morale ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the union territory, former J&K Chief of the party said on Thursday.
Ghulam Ahmed Mir, General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and former president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) expressed his excitement over the visit and highlighted its importance in the party’s preparations for the polls.
“The arrival of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge is a tremendous morale booster for all Congress workers in Jammu & Kashmir. Their presence will undoubtedly invigorate the party and energise our efforts,” Mir said, addressing a gathering of party workers here.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, and Mallikarjun Kharge, the AICC President, arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday. The visit comes as the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced last week that the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections will take place in three phases, with results expected on October 4.
The Congress leaders’ visit is seen as a crucial step in mobilising party workers and energising their campaign efforts ahead of the polls. The J&K elections are widely regarded as one of the most significant political events in the country, with both national and regional parties vying for power.
On Wednesday, Gandhi and Kharge received a rousing welcome from Congress workers and supporters upon their arrival at the airport here.
After wrapping up their interactions here, the two Congress leaders would fly to Jammu where they would hold discussions with party workers of the 10 districts in the Jammu region.
Congress restructured in J&K: Wani
Former Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Vikar Rasool Wani on Thursday said the party experienced many setbacks over the past two years, with 70 percent of its structure being dismantled.
However, Wani said, he and his team have worked diligently to rebuild the party’s foundation, which has resulted in a strong and vibrant presence in the Union Territory.
Vikar said he was ready to accept any role assigned by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership. “I am willing to serve even in the most junior position with honour and dedication,” he said.
