Srinagar, Aug 4: The CPI (M)'s Jammu and Kashmir unit today said municipal elections in the state should be held on a non-party basis on the pattern adopted during the recent Panchayat polls.
 "The nature of issues confronting cities and towns in Jammu and Kashmir is essentially developmental and not political, necessitating to fight these polls on non-party basis," state secretary of CPI (M) M Y Tarigami said.
 The capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu need well planned development for their face lift and public representatives elected locally can work with utmost dedication to achieve that goal, Tarigami, who is an MLA from south Kashmir's Kulgam constituency, said. "Although quantum of powers to be devolved to Panchs and Sarpanchs  has not been decided yet, still these village level leaders have started showing enthusiasm in the developmental activities in their respective areas," he said, terming it a good omen for the progress and development of the state. He said similar proactive approach will be visible once the corporators and municipal councillors are elected in cities and towns. "We should be very prompt in democratisation of our local polity," he said.
 Earlier, Panchayati polls in the state were conducted on non-party basis.
 The government has hinted that the municipal elections in the state will be held in September.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 4 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 4 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 5 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST