Reyaz Rashid
Sopore, September 25, 2024:
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, during a massive election rally in Sopore on Wednesday ,reiterated his party’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and vowed if the NC-Congress alliance secures power in Jammu and Kashmir, it will promote the famous Sopore apples in international markets.
Addressing thousands of supporters, Gandhi highlighted the historical injustice of the region’s downgrade to a Union Territory, a move he called unprecedented in Indian history. He assured that the opposition INDIA alliance would exert pressure on the Centre in Parliament to restore J&K’s statehood before the next elections.
Gandhi said, “This is the first time in history that a state has been turned into a Union Territory. We will use all our strength in Parliament to reverse this injustice, and if the current government fails to act, the INDIA bloc will ensure J&K regains its statehood once we come to power.”
While holding an apple in his hand and emphasized its importance to the region’s economy. He also addressed economic concerns, particularly about Jammu and Kashmir’s apple industry, stating that restoring statehood would open international markets, including the U.S. and Japan, for local products.
The rally was organized by Haji Abdul Rashid Dar, the Congress candidate from Sopore constituency, who introduced Gandhi as the “Lion of India.” Haji Rashid Dar, a two-time MLA from Sopore, emphasized the importance of Gandhi’s visit to Dangerpora village, expressing his happiness at hosting such a significant leader.
While addressing the rally, Dar urged Rahul Gandhi to prioritize employment opportunities for the youth of the region if Congress comes to power. He also voiced his dissatisfaction with the current Congress-National Conference coalition, accusing the NC of “stealing their flags,” and urged Gandhi to address this issue within the alliance.
“This is Rahul Gandhi’s second visit to this village, and the people should be proud of that. We are ready for Congress’s return to power,” said Haji Rashid. Though his speech was shortened due to health issues, he reassured the crowd of his continued commitment to the people of Sopore, asserting his strength and leadership for the region.
The rally coincided with the second phase of J&K’s assembly elections, with voter turnout recorded at 46.12% by mid-afternoon. The Congress, in alliance with the National Conference, is contesting several key seats in the 90-seat assembly, with the final phase of elections concluding on October 1. The results will be announced on October 8.
Haji Rashid expressed confidence that Congress will emerge victorious in the Sopore constituency, where many candidates are in the fray. He said, “Dreaming is not a sin, and the Congress symbol will rise again due to the trust of the people.”
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, vowed “The Sopore apple is the main horticulture produce of this area, and it must reach global markets like the U.S., China, and Japan,” he declared. Gandhi expressed his dismay at the absence of this prized apple from his table, although walnuts, cashews, and resins were offered.
Gandhi linked the promotion of Sopore apples abroad to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, stating that statehood was a necessary first step for improving the region’s economy and infrastructure. “If this apple has to reach Japan and America, the first step has to be the restoration of statehood. Without that, it is not possible,” he emphasized.
The Congress leader also criticized the central government, accusing it of working for a few billionaires and blaming corporate giants like Adani for the low prices farmers receive for their apples. He reiterated his party’s pledge to introduce a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹72 per kilogram for apple produce, which will also be covered under crop insurance.
In addition to supporting local farmers, Gandhi promised to halt evictions of the poor and invest ₹2,500 crore in irrigation projects. He highlighted the need for processing plants in Sopore to ensure that the benefits of the apple industry are fully realized by the local population.
He also addressed the issue of smart electricity meters, a major local concern, pledging that the NC-Congress alliance would eliminate them if they come to power.