Vol Desk, August 25: Concluding his impactful week-long journey through Ladakh as part of the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra,’ Rahul Gandhi arrived in the Kargil district on August 24. During his stay, he engaged with the youth and on August 25, delivered an address to the Kargil public.

Speaking at the Khre Sultan Cho Stadium in Kargil, Rahul Gandhi articulated the key objective of the yatra—to counteract the divisive forces propagated by the BJP and RSS. He emphasized that amidst their agenda of sowing discord, the yatra aimed to promote unity and serenity across the nation.

Gandhi shared that the yatra’s original scope extended beyond Kashmir, commencing from Kanyakumari. However, harsh weather conditions hindered their journey to Ladakh. On his arrival in Ladakh, interacting with locals, youth, workers, and laborers, he was struck by the resonance of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and the Congress party’s principles within the region.

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

Encountering workers from various Indian states employed in Ladakh during his journey, Gandhi discovered a common sentiment—the feeling of being at home despite the distance from their native towns.

He acknowledged Ladakh’s concerns about local representation and unfulfilled promises of employment. The youth expressed concerns over escalating unemployment and inadequate connectivity issues that Gandhi assured that Congress would earnestly address and also assured full support to the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Apex body demands.

Highlighting Ladakh’s abundant natural resources, particularly its solar energy potential, he criticized that BJP wants to exploit these resources by not granting Ladakh due representation. Gandhi pledged that the Congress would thwart any attempts to deprive Ladakh of its rightful benefits.

Gandhi recognizing Ladakh’s strategic significance reflecting on his visit to Pangong, he underscored the loss of Indian territory to China, in contrast to the Prime Minister’s claims. Further he praised Kargil’s role in safeguarding the borders, commending their unwavering dedication.

Concluding his speech, Gandhi reiterated Congress’s commitment to equality and unity in a diverse country like India. Before departing to New Delhi he payed homage to the martyrs of the Kargil War at war memorial in Drass.