M A I N   N E W S

Rahul contradicts Omar on panchayats
M Aamir Khan/TNS

Omar Abdullah and Rahul Gandhi in Pulwama.

Srinagar, November 7
Soon after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah blamed a Panthers Party sarpanch for disrupting Rahul Gandhi’s speech in Jammu yesterday, the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) vice-president said there was “some truth” in what the sarpanch had stated.

“It is true that he (sarpanch) spoke against us and the press highlighted it. In politics one should also listen to those who speak against you. It is good because there is some truth there,” Rahul said during a function at Lassipura in Pulwama district of south Kashmir today.

What Omar said I am confident that the sarpanch and his supporters who tried to disrupt the programme on Wednesday are not using these powers (panchayat) Rahul’s advice It is true that he (sarpanch) spoke against us and the press highlighted it. In politics one should also listen to those who speak against you. It is good because there is some truth there

A sarpanch had yesterday interrupted Rahul’s speech in Jammu alleging that the state government was not treating the panchayat members fairly. The incident had taken place in the backdrop of repeated pleas from various quarters for implementing all provisions of the 73rd amendment to J&K.

Referring to the disruption of speech, Omar blamed the Panthers Party for “creating misunderstandings” and trying to “belittle” the state government. Questioning the intention of the Panthers Party, Omar said: “I am confident that the sarpanch and his supporters who tried to disrupt the programme yesterday are not using these powers.”

Rahul, while batting for the implementation of the provisions of the 73rd amendment, pointed out that the panchayats had not been adequately empowered in Jammu and Kashmir.

“I want to tell Omar Sahib that reservation issue is there - reservation for SC and ST and women. But somehow we should together get these (Block Development Council) elections conducted,” he added.

Pertinently, the BDC elections, which were supposed to be held last year, had been postponed after the Congress had minced no words in stating that the poll process was futile without the extension of the provisions of 73rd amendment in the state.