New Delhi [India], September 16 (ANI): The grand daughter-in-law of erstwhile Maharaja Hari Singh, Ritu Singh, on Monday condemned Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's remarks against Hari Singh at a rally in Jammu and Kashmir.
"As the granddaughter-in-law of erstwhile Maharaja Hari Singh, I vehemently condemn and take strong exception to the defamatory remarks made by Rahul Gandhi against our revered Dogra ruler. His baseless attack is not just an affront to the legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, but an insult to the entire Dogra community and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, whom Maharaja Hari Singh Ji served with unparalleled dedication and selflessness," she said.
"I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for exposing Rahul Gandhi's distorted narrative at his recent rally in Doda and for setting the historical record straight, which had been manipulated for decades," she added.
Ritu Singh further asserted that Hari Singh Ji was a visionary leader, a champion of social justice, and a pioneer of progressive reforms in Jammu and Kashmir who abolished untouchability, worked tirelessly to provide education to all, regardless of caste or creed, and introduced land reforms that empowered the farm workers.
"His bold decision to make primary education free and compulsory and his efforts to establish hospitals and ensure better healthcare for the people marked him as a ruler ahead of his time. He stood firm for equality and justice, advocating for the rights of all his subjects, and his commitment to these values is part of his enduring legacy," she said.
On September 4, Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the current administrative setup in Jammu and Kashmir at Ramban rally, drawing a parallel between the region's past monarchical rule and its present governance.
"In 1947, we removed the kings, formed a democratic government and gave a Constitution to the country. But... Today, there is a 'king' named LG sitting in Jammu and Kashmir, who is snatching your money and giving it to outsiders. Therefore, our first step will be to return 'statehood' to Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
Sharpening her attacks on Congress MP, Ritu Singh said that his statement echoes the malice that his ancestors, including Pandit Nehru, perpetuated against Hari Singh Ji in their attempts to defame him.
"The intrigue they played to undermine and erase the rich legacy of the Dogra community is once again evident. The people of Jammu can clearly see through this malice and its high time they understand their indifference towards the Dogras. This malicious campaign against a ruler who always stood for the unity, integrity, and welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir will not be tolerated. The Dogra legacy of pride, valour, and service to the nation is untouchable and will remain intact despite such attacks," Ritu Singh said. (ANI)