J-K: PDP to bring resolution seeking more power for panchayats

Announcing this today, PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Beig said the proposed resolution will seek amendments to empower the grass-root representatives in the state.

He accused the ruling National Conference of "deliberately delaying" introduction of three-tier Panchayati Raj system in the state, and expressed hope that its coalition partner Congress will support its resolution as it needed a "simple majority" to pass the same.

Questioning government's claim that there was no need for implementation of 73rd amendment of the Constitution in the state as enough powers were given to panchayat bodies, Beig claimed that panches and sarpanches were not been able to perform their function due to lack of funds.

"NC is creating a mistaken notion regarding implementation of 73rd amendment to befool people on the pretext that it tantamounts to compromising with Article 370 of the Constitution which gives special status to the state," he said, adding that the panchayat law was "no way linked to" Article 370.

He alleged that the NC had "deliberately" delayed the panchayat polls as it was "scared" of loosing the elections to PDP.

Referring to the recent killing of panchayat members, the PDP leader said the grass-root level representatives had been left alienated by the government policy.

Beig also raised question about Omar's statement that two Congress ministers had opposed empowerment of the panchayats, and said the disclosure has made all Congress ministers suspicious in the eyes of the people of the state.

"Had Omar informed Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi about this? If not, it means that he had compromised with the oath of office and he should clear his position by naming both the ministers to end speculations about the names," he said.