Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Nov 21: National Conference and Congress candidates for MLC seats from Jammu region today kick-started their poll campaign from Nowshera and Rajouri today.
Congress nominee Sham Lal Bhagat and NC nominee Dr Shahnaz Ganai addressed meetings of Sarpanchs and Panchs at Nowshera and Rajouri today. They were accompanied by Minister for Revenue Raman Bhalla, MoS Power Shabir Ahmed Khan, former MPs Talib Hussain and Mirza Rashid, former Deputy Chairman Legislative Council Arvinder Singh Micky, MLC Ravinder Sharma, former MoS Dr R C Sharma, Ex-MLA Aslam Khan, Ch Liaqat Ali, Bashir Wani and others.
The meetings were organized by the NC-Congress coordination committees of block and district level. Both the coalition candidates appealed to the Sarpanchs and Panchs of the area to ensure their victory in order to strengthen Panchayati Raj system. They said elections to the Panchayats were held after over three decades. The Panchayats would have their representatives in the Upper House of the J&K Legislature to project their issuers. They assured the electorates that they will fight for the rights of Sarpanchs and Panchs and to strengthen the democracy at the grass-root level.
The other senior party leaders including both the Ministers also addressed the gathering and sought the support of Panchayat members. They claimed that draft proposal with respect to empowerment of Panchayats with incorporation of some good features of 73rd Amendment was almost in final stage and it would further lead to strengthen Panchayati Raj at all levels.
While addressing the gatherings, Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla has called upon the Sarpanchs and Panchs to come in large numbers and ensure victory of coalition candidates in Member Legislative Council polls.
He said Coalition Government is the only solution for speedy development of every corner of the State. He called upon the leaders, workers and Panchayat members to ensure victory of Sham Lal Bhagat and Dr. Shenaz Ganai.
The Minister said Coalition Government has registered unprecedented development across the State during four years regime. He said various new projects are under pipeline to ensure improved basic amenities to the people of the State particularly hilly districts.
Mr. Bhalla said that the Coalition Government will grow further in the State to realize the goal of harmony and prosperity. He said coalition partners represent the aspirations of people of the State, adding that it would work in coordination for fulfilling the aspirations of the people.