Panchayat elections are going to be held in Assam next month and all the political parties have intensified their preparations. In this episode, the Congress party has also made a strong entry in the electoral fray by releasing its manifesto on Friday. Through this manifesto, the Congress has promised to strengthen the power of the villages. The party has said that it will decentralize power at the panchayat level and end political interference in the local bodies of the villages. Elections will be held in two phases in 27 districts of Assam.
Congress’ promises and announcements
While releasing the manifesto, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhupen Kumar Bora said that the party is not making any false promises but giving assurances that are practical and long-term. He said that these announcements are related to the social and economic reality of Assam’s rural society. Congress has made it clear in its manifesto that it will complete the incomplete works of the state government by taking forward the Panchayat Raj schemes. Along with this, Congress has also promised that it will ensure public participation in development works in villages so that the schemes can be implemented properly in public interest.
Congress targets political interference
Manifesto committee chairman Ripun Bora attacked the BJP government and said that at present there is excessive political interference at the panchayat level in the state, which is weakening the spirit of decentralization of power. He said that if the Congress comes to power, it will ensure that there is minimal or no political interference in panchayat institutions. He believes that if panchayats work independently, local development can be more effective and transparent. This promise of the Congress is being considered an attempt to attract rural voters.
Election dates and highlights
Panchayat elections will be held in two phases in Assam. The first phase of voting will be held on May 2 while the second phase of voting will be held on May 7. After the voting, counting will be done on May 11. Panchayat elections will be held in 27 out of the total 34 districts of Assam. While the remaining seven districts come under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution where elections of autonomous councils are held, hence panchayat elections will not be held there. The Congress party aims to strengthen its hold in rural areas through these elections and establish itself as an alternative to the BJP.
