Srinagar: After youth Congress, seniors from the party have sharpened their attack on National Con
ference (NC)-led coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir on the issue of providing more powers to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the state.
Member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and former minister Abdul Gani Vakil today said, “Congress stands for decentralisation of powers and it is towards this end that Panchayat elections are held here during the coalition regime after a gap of more than three decades.” He said this was the beginning of new era and elected Sarpanches and Panches should now be given complete powers so that they could prioritise the development of their villages.
The youth Congress, led by senior leaders from the Centre and state, organised rallies and demonstrations in different parts of the state for the past about one month, demanding implementation of 73 and 74 constitution amendments in the state. Untill now the senior leaders from the Congress, a partner in the government, remained by and large silent over the issue.
But they too have now openly supported the youth Congress’ demand.
Mr Vakil said Congress would continue to fight for implementation of 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments in the state.
Addressing a meeting of Panches, Sarpanches and party at Reban Rafiabad Mr Vakil said, “Congress is struggling hard to ensure that the local bodies in the state are empowered to ensure the development at the grassroot level.” It was the dream of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions by implementing 73rd constitution amendment all over the country.
“The party is working to fulfill his dream,” he added.
