JAMMU, Aug 21: Accusing the Congress of ignoring the empowerment of panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir, a BJP MLA today lashed out at the party for “surrendering” before its coalition partner National Conference in the state, over the issue.

“Congress has totally surrendered before NC and is not interested in the empowerment of panchayats in the state,” BJP legislator Jugal Kishore Sharma said in an interaction with the elected representatives of panchayats at village Dasal and Dongi of Rajouri district.

Congress has raised the issue of adoption and implementation of 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendment in press conferences only, whereas, the party has done nothing for its fulfilment, he said.Demanding the implementation of 73rd and 74th amendment of Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that nothing less than central Panchayati Raj system is acceptable.

He assured the gathering that he would move an amendment on the issue in the state assembly.

Sharma lashed out at the NC-Congress coalition government for ignoring the panches and sarpanches. The BJP MLA claimed that he had received several complaints about misbehaviour with panches and sarpanches in government offices.