Basohli (Kathua): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra on Saturday asserted that the Jammu region has suffered more than Kashmir following the 2019 developments, accusing the BJP of selling “false dreams and hopes” to the people, particularly the youth who are now grappling with unemployment, uncertainty and rising prices.
Addressing a largely attended Congress rally at Basohli, Karra said the people of Jammu region feel “cheated and betrayed” by the BJP. He interacted with the gathering and asked which region suffered more post-2019—Jammu or Kashmir—to which, he claimed, the crowd responded in favour of Jammu.
Karra questioned the BJP over what he termed as the “downgrading” of the historical state into a Union Territory and the “snatching” of protections related to land, jobs and natural resources that were earlier guaranteed. He also paid rich tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh on his death anniversary.
Reiterating his charge, the JKPCC chief alleged that the BJP intends to rule Jammu and Kashmir “by proxy,” pointing out that none of its 29 MLAs or MPs have clarified their stand on the restoration of statehood, which he said was promised by the Centre more than six years ago. He asserted that the Congress would continue its movement, “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq.”
Karra further accused the BJP-led government of undermining the foundational values of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He said India’s identity as a “Vishwaguru”—rooted in unity in diversity, religious harmony and non-violence—is under threat.
Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “the weakest,” Karra claimed that earlier leaderships never compromised on the country’s dignity and rights. He praised Rahul Gandhi for providing strong opposition leadership, stating that the youth see hope in him against what he described as “authoritarian and vindictive” policies of the Modi government.
He also criticised the BJP over the issue of women’s reservation, alleging that although the bill was passed unanimously in 2023, it has not been implemented. He added that it was the Congress party that had earlier introduced one-third reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
The rally was organised by former MP Chaudhary Lal Singh and was attended by several senior leaders including Working President Raman Bhalla, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, former MLC Th. Balbir Singh, former MLA Kanta Andotra, former minister Yash Pal Kundal, DCC President Pankaj Dogra, IYC spokespersons Ashwarya Badre and Divya Sharma, besides Vijyant Pathania, Vijay Chaudhary, Jatin Vashisht, MP Singh, Amit Mehra, Rakesh Chaudhary, Zakir Hussain and others.
Speaking on the occasion, Raman Bhalla accused the BJP of pushing the country, especially Jammu and Kashmir, towards backwardness by “snatching” statehood and rights. He said that despite an elected government, “anti-democratic policies” continue and statehood has not been restored.
Bhalla alleged that the BJP disrespected the mandate of the people of Jammu and Kashmir after losing the opportunity to rule directly and instead chose to govern “by proxy.” He said the people, especially the youth, are the worst sufferers under what he termed a “dual control system,” for which he held the BJP responsible.
Former MP Chaudhary Lal Singh strongly criticised the BJP, alleging that Dogras have lost their identity, dignity, status, and rights over land, jobs, and resources after the removal of earlier guarantees. He said the BJP had asked people to celebrate, but now they are questioning what they have gained, as jobs are going to outsiders at the cost of local youth.
He further alleged that local resources such as water, sand, and bajri are being exploited, while contractors and transporters from outside are taking opportunities away from locals. Singh said highly educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir are unemployed and increasingly frustrated due to BJP policies.
He also criticised the government’s response to natural disasters, stating that flood-affected people continue to suffer even after 11 months, as the Centre failed to adequately assist them.
Highlighting past achievements, Singh said the Congress had developed infrastructure in education, health, and connectivity, including the construction of Atal Setu bridge, which he said was inaugurated by Sonia Gandhi in 2011.
The rally also featured addresses by senior leaders and local party functionaries, including block presidents. On the occasion, JKPCC chief Karra, along with senior leaders and IYC spokespersons Ashwarya Badre and Divya Sharma, launched a digital campaign aimed at addressing public grievances.
