The Congress party initiated a 15-day campaign in Jammu on Thursday, advocating for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.
The campaign, titled "Our State, Our Right," commenced in Udhampur and aims to amplify public sentiment in favour of restoring the rights that were curtailed following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Chief spokesman Ravinder Sharma told THE WEEK that the campaign was launched with a convention in Udhampur, further actions planned for Poonch the following day, and additional gatherings set to occur across all districts of Jammu over the next fortnight.
“We will intensify the movement for the restoration of statehood,” he said.
PCC President Sh @TariqKarra chaired the workers' convention today in district Udhampu, the gathering focused on the crucial issue of the restoration of statehood.
— J&K Congress (@INCJammuKashmir) February 13, 2025
The occasion brought together passionate voices and shared a collective vision, “HUMARI RIYASAT HUMARA HAQ” pic.twitter.com/c5mBt0oGH1
The campaigning comes amid criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what Congress labels as “broken promises.”
Congress, which is part of the ruling alliance led by the National Conference, has escalated its criticism of the BJP, notably after their diminishing electoral success and internal issues.
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The party secured only six seats in recent assembly elections—five in Kashmir and one in Jammu.
Observers opine that this campaign reflects an attempt by Congress to corner the BJP on the issue of statehood, a topic that resonates with the public regardless of party affiliation.
JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, who led the campaign under the banner "Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq", lambasted the BJP for dishonouring the legacy of the Dogra rulers and downgrading a historically significant state to a Union Territory.
“For the first time in the history of the nation, a state was downgraded by disrespecting the Constitution,” highlighting the BJP's broken assurances regarding the restoration of statehood that had been made both in Parliament and the Supreme Court.
He said that while the central government claims normalcy in the region, it simultaneously fails to commit to an appropriate time for the restoration of statehood.
He questioned the security situation, citing that soldiers are being martyred and civilians are facing violence. As such, he called for a movement to reclaim the dignity, status and powers lost to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
With the launch of the campaign, Congress leaders are calling for unity among workers to confront the ‘divisive forces’.
