Rahul Gandhi to J-K sarpanchs: ‘I will keep fighting for your rights’

Jammu, Nov.6 (ANI): Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday reached out to the panchs and sarpanchs of Jammu and Kashmir, and said that the Congress-led UPA Government has always focused on the rights of the people, and promised more rights to the local body members. "Does the Panchs, Sarpanchs in Jammu and Kashmir have any right? We need to give them their rights, power, so that decisions can be taken in villages. I assure you that you will get your rights, and until that happens, I will keep coming here, and keep fighting for your rights," he said while addressing Panchayat conference here. "From 2004 in Delhi there is UPA Government and our focus has been on giving 'rights' to people of the nation. We gave people Right to Information ( RTI), Food Security, MNREGA , and many such rights to the people. If you look at all these programmes, they cannot be run without Panchayati Raj or Sarpanchs," he added. He further assured that the Congress Government would implement the 73rd and 74th amendment here. Gandhi also listed few things that would bring a positive change in the state. "Firstly, we need to train, empower local leaders. Secondly, we should train youth and provide employment. Thirdly, we need to help women in the state. And the Congress Party is trying to take these things forward," he added. Rahul Gandhi is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from today, where is likely to meet members of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Jammu. He will also attend a meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee at Party office in Srinagar.