Congress protests in Jammu over BJP poster linking Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav to militancy
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Saturday led a protest outside the party headquarters in Jammu, objecting to a BJP poster that he alleged attempted to associate Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav with militancy.
The demonstration at Shaheedi Chowk came as the Congress continues its “Chaupal Pe Charcha” outreach campaign across Jammu and Kashmir. The programme has focused on issues including restoration of full statehood, unemployment, recruitment and examination concerns, price rise, farmers’ problems and gaps in public services.
Karra alleged that the BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit had displayed photographs of Gandhi, Yadav and other INDIA bloc leaders alongside photographs of people described as terrorists. He said the display was aimed at creating an impression of a connection between the opposition leaders and militancy.
A number of Congress workers and senior leaders, including JKPCC working president Raman Bhalla, participated in the protest and raised slogans against the BJP and the central government.
Karra also questioned the BJP’s claims on nationalism, referring to the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight and the release of jailed militants, including Jaish-e-Mohammad founder Masood Azhar, during the then BJP-led government. He alleged that the episode had implications for the country’s later militancy situation.
The Congress leader further invoked Rahul Gandhi’s family history, saying two former prime ministers from the family had died while serving the country.
Karra also accused the BJP and its predecessors of having a limited role in India’s freedom struggle and raised allegations concerning individuals he said had links to militancy. These claims were made by Karra during the protest.
He said the Congress would continue its campaign and protests across Jammu and Kashmir, maintaining that public issues should remain the focus of political debate.
with inputs from PTI
