A day after Rahul Gandhi visited Kashmir, state Congress seems to have softened towards coalition partner National Conference over the implementation of 73rd and 74th amendments of Panchayat-Raj Central Act in the state.
Addressing media persons in Srinagar on Saturday, state Congress chief Saifuddin Soz reiterated the demand for empowerment of Panchayats but did not stress on 73rd and 74th amendments.
“If they want to adopt the central act with 73rd and 74th amendmen, there is nothing better than that. But if they want to incorporate these amendments to the state’s own Panchayat Raj Act, we won't have issues with the move,” Soz said.
“Rahul Gandhi said there should be devolution of power within a time frame. It is nothing but 73rd amendment,” Soz added.
“He wanted the state to do everything possible for the security of the Panchs and Sarpanchs. The message is obviously clear. When we give them power, security will flow towards them naturally,” he said.
Soz, however, said that his party won’t impair the coalition government even if their demand was not met ‘soon’.
“We must do it democratically. We will continue fighting for it. But we can’t set a deadline for the same. We will continue supporting the government,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}“We must do it democratically. We will continue fighting for it. But we can’t set a deadline for the same. We will continue supporting the government,” he said.
{{/usCountry}}The Congress state chief wanted Omar Abdullah to reveal the names of the two Congress ministers who the latter claimed had urged CM not to empower Panchayats in the state.
“Omar should name them. No minister is above the party,” Soz said.