Rahul to visit Pahalgam attack survivors, Congress to hold candlelight marches

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will travel to Jammu and Kashmir on Friday and meet those injured in the Pahalgam terror attack, Congress sources said on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi to visit Pahalgam attack survivors and assess the situation firsthand.

Rahul Gandhi to Visit Pahalgam Attack Survivors: Updates on Jammu and Kashmir Visit

In a significant political and humanitarian move, Rahul Gandhi to visit Pahalgam attack survivors as part of his efforts to personally assess the aftermath of the tragic terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress leader’s visit underscores the party’s commitment to stand in solidarity with the victims and their families amid one of the darkest days in recent Kashmir history.

Gandhi is scheduled to meet those injured in the attack and will visit the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag, where many of the victims are receiving treatment. During his visit, he aims to enquire about the health condition of the injured and offer support to the affected families. This comes just days after terrorists opened fire at a meadow near Pahalgam town in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others.

The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon, sending shockwaves across the region and the national political landscape. The incident not only heightened fears of escalating violence but also drew widespread condemnation from political leaders, human rights organizations, and citizens.

Gandhi’s decision to cut short his visit to the United States to return and address this crisis highlights the significance the Congress party attaches to security and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. He attended an all-party meeting called by the government, where discussions centered around jointly addressing the terror threat and ensuring swift action against those responsible.

In addition to his political commitments, Gandhi’s visit emphasizes the human dimension of the tragedy. The victims and their families seek justice, safety, and urgent measures to prevent such attacks in the future. His outreach aims to reassure the people that their concerns are front and center on the national agenda.

Meanwhile, in a show of unity and support, Congress workers across all states and districts will take out candlelight marches on Friday in solidarity with the victims and their families. These peaceful protests symbolize the collective grief and resolve to fight terrorism, echoing the outpouring of grief seen across the country.

In a related development, the Congress has announced the postponement of its “Samvidhan Bachao” rallies, which were scheduled for April 25 and 26. Party general secretary in-charge organization, K C Venugopal, explained that the rallies would now resume from April 27. The decision was made in light of the ongoing security concerns and the national mood following the Pahalgam attack.

AIMIM set to win MLC poll in Telangana

In yet another electoral update, AIMIM set to win MLC poll in Telangana, reflecting its rising influence in regional politics. The result for the Hyderabad Local Authorities’ constituency will be announced on Friday, following a competitive contest that saw the AIMIM facing off directly against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the main opposition, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), chose to boycott the election.

Polling records show about 79 percent of voters participated in the election held on Wednesday. Out of 112 registered voters, 88 cast their votes, marking a significant engagement for local politics. AIMIM secured 49 votes, while BJP received 29, indicating a clear lead for AIMIM in this crucial election. This outcome could have implications for the political landscape in Telangana, emphasizing the party’s consolidating presence.

The rising political tensions were further inflamed by accusations from the BJP, which claimed that the Congress and BRS were helping the “communal” AIMIM to win, by staying out of the fray. These dynamics demonstrate the complex interplay of regional rivalries and national interests in the state.

Switching focus to student politics, JNUSU polls to be held after a brief suspension caused by incidents of violence and vandalism on campus. The elections for the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union will take place on Friday, marking an important step in student democracy’s renewal.

JNUSU polls to be held

For the first time in a decade, the two major left-affiliated student organizations — The All India Students’ Association (AISA), linked to CPI(ML) Liberation, and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), affiliated with CPI(M) — will face each other in the electoral arena. Their rivalry centers around disagreements over the presidential candidate, adding an extra layer of intensity to the contest.

The ongoing fissures within the Left student movement have raised questions among campus observers about their future influence. That moderators and supporters alike hope these elections will reassert their dominance and keep the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) away from power remains evident.

In the broader picture, the election underscores the vitality of campus democracy and the importance of student participation in shaping future political landscapes, especially in institutions like JNU that have historically been arenas for ideological debate.

As the nation grapples with a series of political, social, and security challenges, each of these developments demonstrates the persistent struggle for stability, identity, and justice. Whether it’s Gandhi’s compassionate visit to Pahalgam attack survivors, regional electoral contests, or campus elections, India continues to navigate its complex, vibrant democracy.

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