Jammu, March 27: Raman Bhalla, the Working President of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), on Wednesday called for the defeat of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls, accusing the ruling party of silencing the voices of the aggrieved people of Jammu and Kashmir. He made this appeal while addressing an election rally at Chatha Pind in the Jammu South RS Pura constituency.

The rally witnessed the presence of prominent figures including JKPCC General Secretary Amrit Bali, JKPCC Secretary Pawan Bhagat, and other community leaders. Addressing the crowd, Bhalla emphasized the sovereignty bestowed upon the people of India by the Constitution, which is upheld through their representatives in Parliament. He stressed that the government is answerable to Parliament, and MPs are answerable to the people, defining the essence of democracy.

Taking a dig at the BJP government's slogan of 'Amrit Kaal' (Golden Era), Bhalla drew parallels with the story of 'Amrit Manthan' from the Vishnu Purana, where the nectar of immortality fell into the wrong hands. He urged the people to reclaim the 'amrit' (nectar) from the wrong hands, likening it to the mission of ensuring a democratic and inclusive India.

Bhalla called for making India free from the influence of the BJP, accusing the party of attempting to undermine democracy and suppress dissenting voices. He labelled the current political scenario as the "second struggle for independence," emphasizing the need for unity among citizens to safeguard democratic values.

Expressing confidence in the electoral process, Bhalla envisioned a Prime Minister from the "INDIA bloc" hoisting the tricolour at the Red Fort. He underscored the plight of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for a democratically elected government in the region after nearly a decade.

The Congress leader highlighted the "economic challenges" faced by the Modi government and criticized the state of the economy and rising unemployment rates. He accused the government of favouring corporate interests over the welfare of workers, farmers, and youth. 

Bhalla condemned the alleged erosion of constitutional principles, democratic norms, and secular values under the current administration, labelling it as a government serving corporate interests.