Congress manifesto reflection of popular aspirations: party leader

AKHNOOR (JAMMU): Claiming that its poll manifesto is a "reflection of popular aspirations", Congress today asked people to vote for it during Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir for equitable development of all the three regions in the state.

"Congress manifesto is a reflection of popular aspirations. We pledge to set-up regional development councils in Jammu and Kashmir," Congress leader and state minister Sham Lal Sharma said today.

Sharma, who is the sitting Akhnoor MLA, was campaigning in border belts of Akhnoor constituency, from where he is the party candidate.

"While others' agenda remains to grab power much before the verdict, Congress has re-pledged its commitments towards those issues which guarantee development, peace, prosperity and progress of the state," said the Minister for Irrigation, Flood Control and PHE.

"Party seeks popular mandate of three regions for equitable development as well as to redress grievances of the neglected," he said.

Hailing Congress' promise to set up regional development councils, Sharma, who is considered an advocate of Jammu's cause, said devolution of power and re-strengthening of Panchyati Raj system are popular aspirations.

He sought overwhelming mandate for the party, saying that during coalition government, it had bitter experiences which people could now rectify by voting Congress to power.

The MLA urged upon the women voters and the youths to vote for the party, saying development and progress are his main election agendas.

He said people know that Akhnoor has been made a "crime-free city" and has been provided with responsible administration.