Jammu, Sep 25 : Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday guaranteed restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir and said that the ongoing Assembly elections are for getting back your rights, including statehood.

“Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls will give you back your rights, and we will begin it with the restoration of statehood,” Gandhi said addressing a public rally in Jammu ahead of the third-phase polls scheduled for October 1.

“I guarantee all of you that the India Alliance will restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir,” said Gandhi, adding, “Ours is a heart-to-heart connect. Wherever you need me, I will stand for you and will always raise your issues in the Parliament,” he said.

“The injustice done to the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be justified with the restoration of statehood, and I guarantee you for that,” said the Congress leader, adding that he would build pressure on the BJP in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for statehood restoration, and if they will not do it, the India alliance will get it done.

He also said that the promises made by Mammohan Singh Ji (ex-Prime Minister) with Kashmiri Pandits will be fulfilled vis-a-vis issues of refugees and will also be resolved.

Gandhi also slammed the BJP government and the Lieutenant Governor rule in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that outsiders are being given the preferences.

“Jammu and Kashmir is being run by the outsiders under a well-planned strategy to break the spine of the small businessmen and entrepreneurs,” he stated.

He also said that the Modi government is only benefiting the business tycoons like Ambanis and Adanis in the country by waiving off their debts, but nothing is waived off on educational or health facility loans for a common man.

“Adani tax is ruling the country, and demonetisation as well as wrong GST are the tools given by the BJP to shield and benefit the billionaires,” he stated.

UNI