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Congress chief ministers` conclave in Srinagar
Srinagar, May 30: A two-day conclave of chief ministers of the Congress-ruled states will begin today in Srinagar. Party president Sonia Gandhi would chair the conference, which is expected to discuss the party`s strategy for the coming assembly elections in some states as well as next year`s parliamentary polls.
Srinagar, May 30: A two-day conclave of chief ministers of the Congress-ruled states will begin today in Srinagar. Party president Sonia Gandhi would chair the conference, which is expected to discuss the party`s strategy for the coming assembly elections in some states as well as next year`s parliamentary polls.
A tight security cover has been thrown around Srinagar and the Broadway Hotel, where the chief ministers from 15 Congress-ruled states would be lodged, has been put off limits to general public in view of security concerns
The two-day meet would discuss major issues confronting Congress-governed states and review their performances based on the common minimum programme, particularly that of the party ministers of J&K.
Besides, the conclave would also discuss developmental issues of mutual concern. It would be Gandhi’s third visit to J&K after formation of Congress supported government in the state.
Earlier, she attended oath taking ceremony of the Mufti Mohammed Sayeed government on March 3 in Srinagar, followed by her visit to Nadimarg to meet carnage survivors in April.
The conclave, which was earlier scheduled to be held at the hotel itself, was shifted to Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre in the high security zone along Dal Lake. Meanwhile, JKPCC chief Ghulam Nabi Azad and AICC general secretary Ambika Soni yesterday reviewed the arrangements for the conclave.
Police sources said security has been strengthened at the venue of the meeting as well as the routes expected to be taken by the visiting dignitaries.
Congress has said selection of Kashmir as the venue for the high profile conclave was an expression of solidarity with the people of the state.
The move is also a shot in the arm for Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed`s efforts to promote tourism in the state.
The state government hopes that the occasion will serve to convey that it continues to be the most admired destination. The conclave and party president Sonia Gandhi`s rally at Baramulla, which one lakh people are expected to attend, come close on the heels of successful visit of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the Valley.
Bureau Report
The two-day meet would discuss major issues confronting Congress-governed states and review their performances based on the common minimum programme, particularly that of the party ministers of J&K.
Besides, the conclave would also discuss developmental issues of mutual concern. It would be Gandhi’s third visit to J&K after formation of Congress supported government in the state.
Earlier, she attended oath taking ceremony of the Mufti Mohammed Sayeed government on March 3 in Srinagar, followed by her visit to Nadimarg to meet carnage survivors in April.
The conclave, which was earlier scheduled to be held at the hotel itself, was shifted to Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre in the high security zone along Dal Lake. Meanwhile, JKPCC chief Ghulam Nabi Azad and AICC general secretary Ambika Soni yesterday reviewed the arrangements for the conclave.
Police sources said security has been strengthened at the venue of the meeting as well as the routes expected to be taken by the visiting dignitaries.
Congress has said selection of Kashmir as the venue for the high profile conclave was an expression of solidarity with the people of the state.
The move is also a shot in the arm for Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed`s efforts to promote tourism in the state.
The state government hopes that the occasion will serve to convey that it continues to be the most admired destination. The conclave and party president Sonia Gandhi`s rally at Baramulla, which one lakh people are expected to attend, come close on the heels of successful visit of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the Valley.
Bureau Report