Apni Party flags delay in panchayat, ULB polls in J-K

The Apni Party has urged the authorities to hold panchayat and urban local body elections in Jammu and Kashmir without further delay to strengthen grassroots governance.

The Apni Party on Monday expressed concern over the delay in the panchayat and urban local body (ULB) elections in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the authorities to hold them without further delay to strengthen grassroots governance, a party spokesperson said.

The demand was raised during a provincial-level meeting of the Apni Party held under the chairmanship of party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari here.

The meeting reviewed the prevailing political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, discussed public issues and grievances, and deliberated on organisational matters, the spokesperson said.

Bukhari said the panchayat and ULB elections should be conducted immediately as people are waiting.

During the meeting, the party leaders criticised the Omar Abdullah government over its ''failure'' to address the pressing issues facing the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

They claimed that several promises made during the election campaign, including the provision of 200 units of free electricity, free cooking gas, additional ration quota, 1 lakh jobs for youths and regularisation of daily wagers, remain unfulfilled.

The Apni Party leaders called upon district-level workers to intensify public outreach programmes and maintain close contact with people in their respective areas. They were also asked to remain prepared for the panchayat and ULB elections, the spokesperson said.