Will defeat 'communal forces' in civic body polls in JK: Cong

Opposition Congress today said it will to regain its lost ground in the upcoming elections to the civic bodies in Jammu and Kashmir by defeating the communal and divisive forces in the country.
"People should remain guard against the forces that pose a challenge to the basic idea of India and secularism promoted by the Congress. Congress workers should be ready to defeat the designs of the communal and divisive forces in the country," former minister and senior vice president of the party's state unit Sham Lal Sharma said.
He was speaking at a function to mark the Congress' 131st Foundation Day at the party headquarters in Jammu.

Expressing hope that the party would regain its lost ground in the country, he said, "The party will emerge stronger in the country and the state... The workers must carry out the programmes and achievements of the party to the masses more vigorously in the wake of coming elections to the urban local bodies."
Throwing light on the history of Congress, several senior leaders of the party said it has made huge contribution and sacrifices for the freedom of the country.
"Since its formation the party has remained committed to the principle of secularism and socialism and for strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation.

"It was the Congress party under whose banner the entire country irrespective of caste, creed, colour or religion joined hands and fought against the mighty British rule", senior Congress leader and former minister Raman Bhalla said.

He said the government has not only failed to bring black
money back, but also allowed those creating the black money to go scot free. "They allowed Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya to leave the country."
"They also made schemes in the budget to turn black money into white. You have not investigated Panama leaks, but made Amitabh Bachchan a brand ambassador. What message are you giving to the investigating agencies?" he asked.

Chavan said the biggest achievement of Modi government was that the Prime Minister had visited 50-55 countries in these two years and met 70 world leaders.
He also demanded the twin capital cities of the state Srinagar and Jammu to be included in the smart cities project.
On the issues of establishing Sainik Colony and Pandit Colonies in the state, Chavan said Congress will react after the state government comes out with a clear plan.