JAMMU, Aug 4: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch, Adv. Devraj Sharma, on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the continued delay in conducting elections to the Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that grassroots democracy forms the foundation of effective governance and inclusive development in both rural and urban areas.
In a statement issued here, Adv. Sharma said that the absence of elected representatives at the Panchayat, Municipal Committee, and Municipal Corporation levels has adversely affected public participation in governance and slowed the pace of developmental activities across the Union Territory.
He stated that Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies are the backbone of India’s democratic system, ensuring that governance reaches the last person in society. These institutions, he said, play a vital role in identifying local issues, implementing welfare schemes, and ensuring accountability in public administration.
Adv. Sharma emphasized that elected representatives are far more aware of the day-to-day problems of the people than any administrative arrangement. They serve as an effective bridge between the government and citizens, ensuring that developmental priorities reflect the actual needs of local communities.
Expressing concern over the prolonged absence of elected local bodies, he said that many civic and developmental issues remain unresolved due to the lack of public representatives who can directly raise people’s grievances before the concerned authorities. He added that regular elections are not merely a constitutional obligation but also an essential requirement for strengthening democratic institutions and promoting participatory governance.
The senior BJP leader said that timely elections to Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies would further accelerate rural development, improve civic infrastructure, strengthen transparency, and enhance accountability in the implementation of various Central and Union Territory Government schemes.
Adv. Sharma noted that local self-governance has played a transformative role in empowering villages and towns across the country. He stressed that Jammu and Kashmir should also continue to strengthen democratic institutions at the grassroots by ensuring that people are given the opportunity to elect their representatives without unnecessary delay.
Calling upon the Election Commission and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to initiate the process for holding Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections at the earliest, he said that the democratic aspirations of the people must be respected and fulfilled. He maintained that empowering local institutions would not only improve governance but also encourage greater public participation in decision-making and development.
Reaffirming his commitment to strengthening democratic values, Adv. Devraj Sharma said that vibrant and accountable grassroots institutions are indispensable for achieving balanced development, responsive administration, and the vision of a prosperous and people-centric Jammu and Kashmir.