 Early Times Report
BILLAWAR, Sept 11: Senior Congress leader and former Minister Dr Manohar Lal Sharma today said that the Congress would continue to raise the voice of the common people and intensify its struggle against the issues confronting the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those living in rural, hilly and far-flung areas and Chanda Chori at the Ram Temple.
Addressing his monthly public meeting at Six Acres Farm, Mandli, in Billawar Constituency, Dr Sharma said that people across Jammu and Kashmir are facing a number of pressing issues relating to electricity, employment, roads, healthcare, education, agriculture, sanitation, inflation and inadequate basic infrastructure. He said the Congress would continue to highlight these concerns and seek concrete, time-bound solutions from the government.
The meeting was attended by District President Congress Kathua Pankaj Dogra, Th. Buddhi Singh, senior District Vice President Romesh Verma, Sarpanch Karan Singh, senior Congress leader Romal Singh, former Sarpanch Satpaul and a large number of party leaders, workers and residents from different areas of the constituency.
A significant feature of the meeting was the joining of several prominent persons into the Congress fold under the leadership of Dr Manohar Lal Sharma. Welcoming the new entrants, Dr Sharma said their decision to associate with the Congress reflected growing public confidence in the party's policies and its commitment to democratic values, inclusive development and people's rights.He said that the Congress has historically remained connected with the grassroots and would continue to provide a platform to people irrespective of their region, background or social status.
Dr Sharma also raised concern over the reported Chanda Chori (donation collection-related issue) at the Ram Temple, saying that matters concerning religious places and public donations must be handled with complete transparency and accountability. He said that devotees and the public have the right to know how donations collected in the name of religious institutions are managed and utilised.He stressed that any allegation of irregularity or misappropriation of public or religious donations should be properly investigated by the competent authorities and that those responsible, if found guilty, must be held accountable.
"Religious institutions command the faith and trust of thousands of devotees. Transparency in the management of donations is essential to protect that faith and ensure that every contribution is utilised for the intended religious and public welfare purposes," Dr Sharma said.He added that the Congress would continue to raise issues affecting the sentiments, rights and interests of the people and would demand appropriate action wherever genuine concerns are brought to its notice.
Dr Sharma particularly highlighted the rising electricity burden on households and small businesses, saying that ordinary consumers were already struggling with increasing living costs. He said that the government must ensure affordable and reliable electricity and take into consideration the difficulties faced by poor, middle-class and economically weaker families.He maintained that any increase in power tariffs directly affects household budgets, agriculture, small businesses and local industries. The government, he said, should focus on providing relief to consumers rather than adding to their financial burden. |
