JAMMU : All Indian Congress Committee General Secretary Ambika Soni today said Congress party is firm and committed on empowering Panchayati Raj Act in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We are committed in empowering Act in J&K to further strengthen the Panchayats,” Ms Soni replied to reporters at a press conference here this afternoon.
She was flanked by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad.
The duo was in the town to address a day-long Congress convention.
Ms Soni said, “JKPCC Chief Saif-ud-Din Soz number of times discussed about the amendments in the Panchayati Raj Act with the coalition partners in Coordination Committee meetings and certain amendments have to be made in it.”
“Prof Soz on July 26 after discussion with Mr Azad has written to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on empowerment of Panchayats and other related issues,” Ms Soni, who is also the in-charge J&K Political Affairs (Congress) said.
She further said, “We want that Act should be implemented and a deadline must be fixed for it.”
“I am representing the Central leadership here and whatever is said by me is on behalf of the Centre,” she said adding that Congress will fulfil all the promises and the party leadership is in regular conversation with the state Chief Minister.
On pre-poll alliance, Ms Soni said, “I have met a section of people of Jammu and in another week we will be holding interactions with people from Valley and Leh.”
“Decision about pre-poll alliance can be taken only after interacting people of all the three regions of the state and sharing ideas with them,” she added.
Meanwhile on attack by followers of Asaram Bapu on media, the Congress stalwart said, “I have already said that law is equal to all and I wonder why Asram Bapu is still roaming free.”
Strict action must be taken against him if he is guilty adding, “attack is condemnable,any person indulges in violence means he is on a weak wicket.”
Earlier, the JKPCC president said five resolutions were passed during the convention which included political resolution comprising strengthening of Congress party as only Congress can maintain the integrity of the state and the country.
“Settlement of Refugees issues, Amendments in Panchayati Raj Act, befitting reply to ceasefire violations by the Pakistan and appreciation of passing of historic Food Security and Land Acquisition Bills were other resolutions unanimously passed in the convention,” the JKPCC chief said.
(AGENCIES)
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