JAMMU, Sept 28: The congress party has asked chief minister Omar Abdullah to resign from his post or implement the 73rd amendment of the Indian constitution in the state’s governing book to further strengthen the democratic set-up at the grassroots’ level.
The demand comes in the backdrop of media reports that the recent meeting of a delegation of elected village representatives from the valley with congress general secretary, Rahul Gandhi, over their security issues had ensued a tussle between Abdullah and him.
“We demand that Omar Abdullah should either resign and leave the government or give sarpanches and panches their due rights and proper security,” said Shahnawaz Chowdhary, president of the state youth congress – Indian National Congress’ youth wing – during a protest march alongwith his supporters in winter capital, Jammu.
The congress members were reacting to the chief minister refusal to implement the 73rd and the 74th amendments of the Indian constitution in the state.
“We have our own constitution and it is enough for panchayats, no more amendments are needed,” Abdullah’s party, the National Conference, said in a statement on Thursday.
The issue of the panchayats has garnered much attention after a delegation of village representatives from various parts of the valley went to New Delhi to meet congress’ general secretary, Rahul Gandhi, to discuss security issues after a series of killings of their colleagues triggered a spree of resignations from many others.
Rahul Gandhi termed the resignations as a serious issue and sought adequate security cover for those who have resigned, according to reports.
Party spokesperson, Rashid Alvi said that Gandhi’s comment should not be seen as ‘Rahul versus Omar’. But the youth congress members threatened an agitation if the panchayats were not given more rights.
“We will do anything, we’ll take to roads to protest if the amendments are not implemented,” said Pranav Saggotra, vice-president of the youth congress in the state.
