Dooru, Anantnag, September 4, 2024 – The picturesque town of Dooru in Anantnag district witnessed an unprecedented gathering of enthusiastic youngsters as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally ahead of the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The rally, held at the local sports stadium, was marked by a palpable sense of excitement and hope, as young voters flocked to hear Gandhi’s message of inclusiveness and unity.
A Vision of Inclusiveness
Rahul Gandhi’s speech resonated deeply with the youth, many of whom were attending their first political rally. His emphasis on inclusiveness and compassion struck a chord with the audience, particularly in a region that has experienced significant political and social turmoil. Gandhi’s message was clear: the Congress party stands for unity and equality, transcending religious and regional divides.
Nayeem Ahmad Dar, a 22-year-old postgraduate student from Sangam in Anantnag, expressed his admiration for Gandhi’s vision. “I’m here for Rahul Gandhi. He talks about inclusiveness. He would not differentiate between a Hindu and a Muslim and treats everybody equally,” Dar said. This sentiment was echoed by many others in the crowd, who appreciated Gandhi’s efforts to bridge divides and promote harmony.
The Legacy of Bharat Jodo Yatra
The rally at Dooru was a continuation of the momentum generated by Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, which culminated in South Kashmir in January 2023. The yatra, a nationwide campaign aimed at uniting people across different regions and communities, left a lasting impact on the youth of Kashmir. The slogan “Nafrat ke bazaar mein mohabbat ki dukaan” (A shop of love in the market of hate) became a rallying cry for many young voters who were inspired by Gandhi’s message of love and compassion.
Fayaz Ahmad, a postgraduate in economics from Kokernag, highlighted the significance of the Bharat Jodo Yatra in shaping his political views. “After assessing what different parties have to offer, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Congress has an inclusive vision and behind that vision is Rahul Gandhi. He wants to bring the nation together and take it forward,” Ahmad said.
A United Front
The Congress party is contesting the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections in alliance with the National Conference. This strategic partnership aims to present a united front against the ruling parties and address the pressing issues faced by the people of the region. The alliance has finalized a seat-sharing arrangement, with the Congress contesting 32 seats and the National Conference contesting 51 seats. Additionally, two seats have been left for allies, the CPI (M) and Panthers Party.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress former president Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who is also an ex-minister, is contesting from the Dooru seat. Mir’s candidacy has garnered significant support from the local population, who view him as a seasoned politician capable of addressing their concerns. He faces competition from PDP’s Mohammad Ashraf Malik, a retired district and sessions judge.
Addressing Local Issues
The rally at Dooru also provided a platform for addressing local issues that have long been neglected. Unemployment, a major concern for the youth in the region, was a key focus of Gandhi’s speech. He emphasized the need for job creation and economic development to provide better opportunities for the younger generation. “We need to create an environment where our youth can thrive and contribute to the nation’s progress,” Gandhi said.
Sanjay Koul, a Kashmiri Pandit whose family has been associated with the Congress since 1947, highlighted the importance of addressing local issues. “The success of those supporting Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and protesting the suppression is important. We need representatives in every forum, including Parliament,” Koul said.
The Road Ahead
As the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections approach, the Congress party is ramping up its campaign efforts. Rahul Gandhi’s rally at Dooru is just the beginning of a series of events aimed at galvanizing support across the region. The party has planned multiple rallies and roadshows, with prominent leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge set to join the campaign.
The upcoming elections are seen as a crucial test for the Congress party, which is striving to reclaim its dominance in the region. The party’s focus on local issues, coupled with its message of inclusiveness and unity, has struck a chord with many voters. The youth, in particular, are drawn to Gandhi’s vision of a united and prosperous India.
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