Panchayat polls will transfer power to people: JK minister

Jammu, Feb 22 (PTI) In the backdrop of the upcomingpanchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir, a senior minister todaysaid the elections would pave the way for transfer of power topeople at the grassroot level.

Appealing to the people to strengthen the coalitiongovernment in Jammu and Kashmir, minister for State for Roadsand Buildings Javed Ahmad Dar asked them to field "honest andindustrious" candidates.

He also said that the National Conference led coalitiongovernment favoured promoting the secular character of thestate.

"National Conference led coalition government neverbelieved in communal politics and always favoured andpropagated strengthening of the secular character of theState", Dar said while addressing a public rally in Sambadistrict.

Seeking public cooperation in taking forward thedevelopment plans in the district, the Minister said thegovernment was keen to meet the developmental aspirations ofthe people, particularly those living in rural and hillyareas.

He asked workers of the ruling party to reach out to themasses.