Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 19: To mobilise the support of Sarpanchs and Panchs in favour of the party candidates for the forthcoming election for Members of Legislative Council (MLCs), BJP State President Shamsher Singh Manhas, alongwith senior leaders and MLAs kicked off election campaign in a programme organised at Ghagwal block in Samba district of Jammu province.
A large number of party activists, supporters and over 6 dozen Sarpanchs and Panchs from block Ghagwal had gathered to convey their unconditional support and votes to Col.(retd) Uttam Singh and Rashpal Verma.
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Shamsher Singh Manhas said that the BJP has justification in seeking vote for its candidates as it is not only a political party but mission with a very clear motive of strengthening the nationalist forces, raising voice against region based discrimination and prevailing corruption in the State.
He said that although the State Government has been claiming of successful elections of Sarpanchs and Panchs but it is our stand that without the implementation of the 73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution, the Panchayats across the State have proved to be toothless tool.
National Executive Member & Jammu East MLA Ashok Khajuria said that the present NC-Congress coalition has betrayed Sarpanchs and Panchs as they have been deprived of real powers.
MLA Jugal Kishore Sharma said that the BJP candidates are well aware of the problems of the rural population and hence will surely come up to the expectations of the Sarpanchs and Panchs, who have made up their mind to ensure victory of BJP.
MLAs Shyam Choudhary and Sukhnandan Kumar also addressed the meetings.
The party candidates Col. Uttam Singh and Rashpal Verma, while seeking vote in their favour, assured that they will leave no stone unturned to get for Sarpanchs and Panchs what they deserve and have been deprived of by the government.