Former Minister and Member AICC Abdul Gani Vakil today welcomed the views expressed by some separatist leaders particularly Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has said that holding of elections in the State have no bearing on Kashmir issue because forming of Government is vital for managing the state affairs particularly in resolving the grievances, problems and difficulties being faced by common masses in their day to day life, hence there is no logic in propagating elections boycott in Kashmir, which only contributes in strengthening and encouraging the corrupt people, who are used to loot the state exchequer and never desire to face honest and dedicated people democratically. He termed the poll boycott campaign as unfortunate and against people. Vakil was addressing a public meeting at Balhama and Gonipora Rafiabad in District Baramulla.
Former Minister urged the Government to take concrete steps for incorporating 73rd Amendment to empower Panchayats in the State. He said that after the intervention of Shri Rahul Gandhi any delay in this behalf will strain the ties of two coalition partners as impeding of the same directly affect the developmental activities. He said that delay in empowering such basic units is undemocratic and will render Panchayat Elections meaningless and wastage of public money. Vakil termed the visit of Rahul Gandhi, Vice President AICC a successful one.
While addressing the gathering Vakil said that it is the prerogative of the high command to accord sanction to the poll alliance in a particular state after considering and taking into account the view point presented by respective PCCs.
He said it is premature to draw any conclusion in this behalf at this point of time. He reiterated that Congress has broaden its base in all the three regions as people have realized the impact of regional political factor affecting the developmental fortunes because regional parties only aim for political gains through exploitation of regional sentiment. He said that congress is capable enough to fight elections all alone and its developmental mantra will help it to emerge as a formidable single largest party in next elections.Besides others who addressed the gathering include Sr. Congress Leaders Ghulam Nabi Shah, Haji Mohammad Afzal Khan, Pandit Brij Nath Nehru and several others.