'Only Cong and specially Rahul knows J-K's pain'

March 28, 2024 15:34

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra in Kashmir during the BJY

Only the Congress, and in particular Rahul Gandhi, can understand the pain and dilemma that Jammu and Kashmir has been plunged into, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti says in a new book, adding that she has never before seen such "despair and despondency" in the erstwhile state.

In "Bharat Jodo Yatra: Reclaiming India's Soul", a collection of essays releasing on Friday, Mufti argues that the path to save the "very idea of India" leads through Jammu and Kashmir, a "mini India" in itself -- the one where different religions have peacefully co-existed for centuries. The book gives readers different accounts of the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra, the 4,000-kilometre nationwide march from September 2022 to January 2023.

Mufti, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, was all praise for Rahul Gandhi in her essay, "Bharat Jodo: Restoring Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat", co-written with her daughter Ilitija Mufti.

"Today throughout the length and breadth of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, the people feel short changed. If one turns the pages of history, it's perhaps only the Congress, especially RG (Rahul Gandhi), who can understand the pain and dilemma that Jammu and Kashmir has been plunged into.

"I hope that if the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) does indeed win 2024, it makes efforts to heal the gaping wounds of my people," she writes.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) is part of the opposition INDIA bloc along with the Congress. There is no decision yet on seat sharing arrangements between the alliance partners in the union territory.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

T20 WC: Samson has 'made his case' to become India's first-choice keeper

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson has made his case to become India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman at the Twenty20 World Cup in June, said Kumar Sangakkara, the coach of his Indian Premier League team.

Sriya Reddy Is Ready For Politics

Salaar Actor Sriya Reddy will be seen in the political thriller Thalaimai Seyalagam.

Brokerages bullish on ICICI Bank stock after Q4 results

An in-line ICICI Bank result for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, has led to analysts raising target price and earnings per share (EPS) forecast on the stock. ICICI Bank, they said, appeared least vulnerable to regulatory action on its...

Air India Express cancels 80 flights as crew reports sick

Discontent has been brewing among a section of the cabin crew at the low-cost carrier for some time now, especially after the start of the process of merger of AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, with itself.

Ashwin, Kuldeep Or Mukesh? Vote!

Not only did Ashwin take three wickets, he also kept the runs in check. While his fellow bowlers leaked runs, he bowled a tight spell -- 3 for 24 off 4 -- to strangle the DC batters.