Baramulla: All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Incharge J&K, Dr. Syed Naseer Hussain, along with senior leaders of JKPCC, addressed the Voter Adhikar Sammelan in Chandanwari (Uri), District Baramulla, North Kashmir.
He blamed the ECI-BJP collusion for election manipulation in various states, calling vote theft an assault on the democratic system of the country, and cautioned people against the theft of their votes by the present Central government with the full support of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Addressing the Sammelan, Dr. Naseer Hussain criticised the BJP for manipulating elections in various states to retain power and said LOP Rahul Gandhi had exposed vote theft orchestrated through the ECI-BJP collusion. He emphasised that the Congress Party will continue to expose the BJP’s efforts to undermine India’s democratic system. “I appeal to the people to rise and protect their votes, which are being systematically manipulated to benefit the BJP in elections,” said the AICC General Secretary.
Hussain also criticised the delay in the restoration of Statehood to J&K, calling it an assault on the aspirations and interests of the people. He observed that the Centre is directly ruling the State through the LG and disempowering the elected government.
He further expressed concern over the recent catastrophe that hit both regions of J&K, describing the loss of lives and property, along with the significant damage to Kashmir’s horticulture industry, as unfortunate. He urged the Centre to sanction a comprehensive financial package to address the losses in the fruit industry, which is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy.
Dr. Hussain also praised the secular character of the people of Uri, stating that the Party can only thrive with both youthful energy and experienced leadership. “We are fighting against vote theft and will continue our uncompromising struggle against every undemocratic move of the BJP,” he said.
Referring to the Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq program launched by JKPCC, Hussain described it as a significant initiative for the restoration of full statehood to J&K.
Addressing the Sammelan, JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra lauded LOP Rahul Gandhi’s unwavering fight to safeguard democracy and democratic institutions, which have come under assault since the BJP assumed power at the Centre. He stated that Congress is the only party capable of defending the nation against elements inimical to public rights. “The election manipulation by the ECI-BJP collusion is an assault on the voting rights of people, which is intolerable and unacceptable,” he added.
Karra highlighted the sacrifices of the Gandhi family for the nation, emphasising their bloodshed to protect national interests. He criticised the PDP-BJP alliance for contributing to the degradation of the erstwhile princely State of J&K and accused the Centre of deliberately delaying the restoration of Statehood to further disempower the people and disregard their aspirations.
Karra also appreciated former minister Taj Mohi U Din for his contributions to Congress in J&K, particularly in the Uri constituency. “Taj Saheb has tirelessly worked to empower the people of Uri and develop this border area to the best of his ability,” he said. He further praised the nationalist spirit of the people of Uri, noting that they always stand by the nation.
Speaking at the gathering, CLP Leader and AICC General Secretary G.A. Mir stated that Rahul Gandhi is fighting for people’s rights and to safeguard the nation from challenges posed to democracy by the BJP. “Congress will not remain silent. We will continue to fight under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and LOP Rahul Gandhi to ensure that democracy, the hallmark of this great nation, is safeguarded,” he said.
Referring to J&K, Mir pointed out that the dual power structure—LG rule on one hand and CM on the other—has created confusion and hardships for the public, leaving ordinary citizens to suffer continuously.
