Congress, NC tie-up in J&K, statehood priority, says Rahul

Srinagar: Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday sought to strike an emotional chord with the people of J-K, and assured that the restoration of statehood was a priority for the Congress party as well as the opposition's INDIA bloc.

As Gandhi concluded the Srinagar leg of his visit, he stitched up an alliance with Jammu and Kashmir's oldest regional party -- the National Conference (NC) -- holding consultations with the NC president Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah at their residence here.

During the two-day visit, Gandhi also met a delegation of students in J-K, relished traditional Kashmiri cuisine 'Wazwan' at a famous restaurant, and had an ice-cream at a popular local parlour.

Speaking to reporters after holding an interaction with his party leaders and workers, Gandhi assured the people of J-K that his party and the INDIA bloc will work towards the restoration of the statehood to J-K. (PTI)