Jammu rally: Sarpanch shouts amid Rahul Gandhi's speech

Jammu, Nov 6: The

Vice President

, who is on a two-day visit to

, addressed a rally of Congress 'sarpanchs' at M A Stadium on Wednesday.

During the rally, one of the sarpanch reportedly from Ramnagar shouted and interrupted Rahul.

The sarpanch who drew everyone's attention, then complained to Rahul about not getting enough power from the Jammu and Kashmir government.

The heckler who interrupted Rahul said, "We are elected but we have no powers. The state government did not give us anything,"

After listening him, Rahul said, "If I did not want to listen to your voices, would I have come here? I have come here to listen to you. I will pressurise the state government and fight for your rights."

On empowering panchayats, Rahul stressed that, "We need to give them right/power, so that decisions can be taken by Panchs."

Rahul also boasted of the fact that the Congress party is "empowering India by giving the common man all kinds of rights".

During the Panchayat conference, he also said there was a need to empower local leaders; train and employ the youth; and strengthen economic backbone, to change Jammu and Kashmir.

Rahul also said that the most important thing for him is to give more power to the panchayats.

"No MLA or MP can do things the panchayat can", added Rahul.

He also assured of implementing the Food Security Act in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We'll implement 73rd, 74th Amendment here. You will get your dues, I will fight for you", he further stated.

While giving the example of Kerala sarpanchs, Rahul promised them that he will keep coming there and continue to fight for their rights.

Rahul said that he will ensure more power to the panchayats.

Today, he will also hold a luncheon interaction with representatives of Jammu Chambers of Commerce and Industry at Jammu Club.

Congress general secretary Ambika Soni, Union Minister Jairam Ramesh and party press in-charge Ajay Makhan are accompanying him.

Rahul is scheduled to reach Srinagar on Wednesday evening. There, he will inaugurate a controlled-atmosphere fruit storage facility in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

On Thursday, he will address a women's self-help initiative in central Badgam district.

OneIndia News

(With agency inputs)