Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 7: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) working presidents Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla today asked workers and leaders to gear up for the much-awaited Panchayat and local body polls in the Union Territory.
Addressing a gathering in Akhnoor, Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla called for united efforts to ensure the Congress’s success in the upcoming polls. Tara Chand criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led administration for its “lack of development” in rural areas, citing poor infrastructure, unreliable electricity, and inadequate road connectivity.
“The BJP Government’s neglect of rural areas highlights its governance failures. These elections provide an opportunity to elect leaders truly committed to public welfare,” he said. He also slammed initiatives like ‘Back to Village’, claiming they failed to address the pressing concerns of rural communities.
Highlighting the Congress’s commitment to grassroots democracy, Tara Chand emphasized the need for party unity and voter outreach. He urged workers to connect with the masses and address their concerns while advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood.
Raman Bhalla, addressing party workers, accused the BJP of being “anti-people, anti-youth, and anti-farmers.” He criticized the Modi-led government for imposing policies such as property tax, toll plazas, and smart electricity meters, which he claimed have burdened the people of J&K. Bhalla also accused the BJP of exploiting communal divisions for political gain, urging the public to reject such divisive politics.
Both the leaders called for a door-to-door campaign to highlight public grievances, including unemployment, drug addiction, and underdevelopment.
The meeting, which focused on ensuring the success of Congress in the elections, was attended by senior leaders, block and district representatives, and other party functionaries. The leaders also announced a nationwide campaign, “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan,” set to commence on January 18 from Gandhi Chowk, Satwari. They urged party workers to participate in large numbers and reaffirm the Congress’s commitment to unity and progress.