New Delhi, Apr 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called on the UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh here on Tuesday.
Chief Minister, according to the official spokesman, discussed various issues relating to the political affairs and economic development in the state with the UPA chairperson.
The two leaders, according to the official spokesman, reviewed the functioning of coalition government in the state and expressed satisfaction over cohesion and coordination between National Conference and Congress in dealing with the matters of public interests and ensuring good governance to the people.
“The understanding and political harmony depicted by the coalition partners during the Legislative Council elections resulting in the success of all the coalition candidates was viewed with appreciation.
The strengthening of the coalition and tackling of all the challenges on development and political fronts in future with same spirit and political sagacity were also discussed in the meeting,” he said.
“Omar felicitated Mrs Gandhi for the thumping victory of coalition candidates in the Legislative Council elections held in JK on April 13 this year,” the spokesman said.
The Chief Minister, he said, briefed Sonia about the holding of non-party based Panchayat elections in the state after about 30-years with a view to transfer power to the public representatives at grassroots and devolution of authority at the central level.
Omar, according to the spokesman, elaborated the initiatives of the State Government taken to transfer functions, functionaries and finances (3Fs) to the newly elected Panchayats.
Expressing gratitude to UPA chairperson for her keen interest in the development of state and support to the coalition government, Omar said that the coalition Government is working in tandem and unison to ensure equitable development of all regions and sub-regions.
The UPA chairperson reiterated her full support to Omar-led Government in addressing challenges on economic and political fronts.

OMAR CALLS ON PM
The Chief Minister, according to the official spokesman, also called on Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and discussed various issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir with him.
“The two leaders took elaborative stock of the socio-economic development, maintenance of peace and tranquillity, holding of Panchayat elections, recently concluded elections to Legislative Council and prevailing politico-economic scenario in the state,” the spokesman said. “The status and progress of dialogue process between the interlocutors and various shades of public opinion in the state was also discussed in the meeting.”
Omar, according to the spokesman, briefed the Prime Minister about the headway made by the state Police in identifying the killers of Jamiat-ul-Al-Hadith president Moulana Showkat Ahmad Shah. “He also gave an account of holding of Panchayat elections in the state after 30-years and presented resume of the arrangements made to conduct the elections in a peaceful manner,” he added.
“The Chief Minister also briefed the Prime Minister of the thumping victory of coalition candidates in the recently held elections to six seats in the Legislative Council,” the spokesman said.
He said Omar expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the liberal financial support by the centre to the state in translating its development agenda into reality. “The Chief Minister highlighted the necessity of enhancing the current year’s plan allocations for Jammu and Kashmir to ensure equitable and holistic development of all regions and sub-regions in the state,” he added.
Omar, according to the spokesman, sought the Central approval for the report submitted by the Task Force regarding prioritization of development projects in the state. He also stressed on early implementation of the recommendations of expert group under the Chairmanship of Dr C. Rangarajan to help Jammu and Kashmir to address unemployment crisis.
“The Chief Minister also sought the Central assistance for upgradation of Srinagar Airport, expansion of Jammu Airport, extension of runway at Kargil Airport and wet leasing of helicopter service in JK to ensure connectivity to the hilly, remote and inaccessible areas especially during the winter months,” the spokesman said.
“Omar called for speeding up the work on railway, power and 4-lanning of National Highway projects adding that these schemes are of higher economic value for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
The Chief Minister, spokesman said, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for showing keen interest in the resolution of political issues in a political manner and development of JK on fast track.
The Prime Minister assured his full support to the Chief Minister for peace and development initiatives, the spokesman added.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 IST