"The state government is deliberately delaying, denying and sabotaging the rights and powers to Panchayat members. Congress and NC have a secret understanding on this. It is a conspiracy and is sheer injustice to Sarpanches and Panches," JKNPP leader and MLA Harsh Dev Singh told reporters here.
Singh said the Panchayats should be empowered without any delay and 73th Amendment of the Constitution should be implemented in the state.
"Panchayats in the state should be empowered and rights and powers, which are legitimately due, to Sarpanches and Panches be given to them," the JKNPP working chairman said.
He accused the Congress of having double-standards over the issue of implementation of 73th Amendment, saying it has made no move to bring a Bill in the Assembly for this.
"Congress is protesting outside the Assembly for the implementation of the 73th Amendment, but has not brought Bill in the Assembly to empower Sarpanches and Panches.
"NPP had introduced a bill in the Budget session, but no Congressman raised his hand in its support. They outrightly rejected it," Singh claimed.
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"If Congress is so sincere on the issue of empowering Panchayats and NC is opposing it, why doesn't it withdraw its support to the coalition government?," he asked.
He said NPP will support any party including Peoples Democratic party (PDP) if it brings a Bill in the Assembly for empowering Panchayats. (MORE)