After some delay, the Indian National Congress today released its manifesto ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections promising immediate restoration of the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our priority is to restore statehood of Jammu and Kashmir and ensure that the people get back their rights that were taken away from them,” he said.
Kaira stressed that the resources of Jammu and Kashmir state belong to its people first and foremost and stressed that the Congress party will fight for their rights and ensure that they get their due.
“The sand here is also being mined by outsiders. These resources belong to the people and must be restored. We are here to get the support of the people and we are here to get support for the alliance. The Congress will fight for the rights of the people,” Khera said.
“The hearts of Kashmiri people are full of wounds and it is time to heal them. The long night is about to end and a new day is about to begin. ‘Haath Badlega J&K Ke Haalat’ (Congress will change the status quo in Jammu and Kashmir).”
On whether the alliance with the NCP will continue, Kaira said: “The Congress is a pioneer in forming successful coalition governments. We have done it before at the state and national levels.”
He also mentioned that after the elections are over and the results are announced, a common minimum program will be drawn up. “According to this program,” he said, “we will all act.”
Describing the Congress manifesto as a “people’s manifesto”, Kaira explained: “We spoke to the people on the ground and only after the discussion did we formulate this document, hence the delay.”
JKPCC president Karra agreed, saying, “This is a people’s manifesto. We formed committees in every district to hold discussions with society members, collect opinions and integrate everything in this document.”
Khera asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir know that only the Indian group can ensure restoration of their rights.
“Voting anyone else means voting for the BJP. We are sure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will not support the BJP.”
He also stressed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have nowhere to go to voice their concerns. “Not everyone can reach out to officials. In the past 10 years, Kashmir has become a graveyard of hopes and dreams.”
The Congress leader said Jammu and Kashmir’s youth should be given jobs and women should be given pensions and support. “Rights were taken away, statehood was taken away – it must be returned and we will do it.”
Kaira pointed out that the state of Jammu and Kashmir has the second highest unemployment rate and the highest unemployment rate among women.
“This situation needs to change. Jammu and Kashmir state produces electricity and people must have first right to use it. ‘Hamari Bijli, Hamara Haq’ (Our power, our right). Landless farmers will be given land lease for 99 years,” he added.
Follow us On Social Media Google News and Twitter/X