Press Releases Archive

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today appealed to people engaged in a fight for and against Telangana to remember Mahatma Gandhi’s adage that “An eye for an eye makes all of us blind” and resolve to work harmoniously to find a solution.

In a message to people on Gandhi’s birth anniversary, Dr. JP said that “restraint, reconciliation, responsibility and respect are the foundations of a harmonious society. That is Gandhi’s way. Hating each other, using harsh language, imitating the worst features of each other – they are not Gandhi’s way.”

On the occasion of the birth anniversaries of Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Sastri, and the Lok Satta Party formation day, Dr.JP and the Party state president Katari Srinivasa Rao unfurled the national and Lok Satta Party flags and garlanded portraits of Gandhi and Ambedkar.

Dr. JP recalled Gandhi’s contention that the best way of getting justice is rendering justice to the adversary and asked whether our parties and leaders are practicing it. “We all need to introspect – do we have the moral right to pay tribute to Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri?

Dr. JP pointed out that intolerance, lies, failure to render justice to others, rousing fears and blaming others for our problems have all led to the Andhra Pradesh crisis.

“Whatever happens, we are all Telugus and Indians. Where are spiritual leaders? Where are artists and writers? Why are they silent?

“Gurus, saints, stars, writers – please speak up. Do not take sides on politics & division of the State.”

All of them should remind people that we all share a language and culture, and promote harmony and reconciliation. “Whatever happens, we will remain a family, and we share a common destiny. Politics should not promote hatred. Transcending politics and irrespective of the final outcome, the wise, learned and talented Telugus should spread this message.”

Two pledges

Recalling that Gandhi always sought full employment to empower citizens and give them dignity, Dr. JP said the need of the hour in India is job creation. While China created at its peak 200 million jobs in industry in 20 years, India created just two million jobs in 20 years.

By taking two pledges on the occasion of Gandhi’s birthday, Dr. JP said, we can build an India of Gandhi’s dreams. First, we shall not buy gold at all. If we must, we will buy 50% of what we plan. Second, those of us whose basic needs are met will give 10% of our income and time for charity and community.

“If we reduce gold demand, and give 10% of what we have for the community, we all prosper; the nation prospers. We need to modernize and adapt Gandhi’s message to suit our needs today. Let us do simple, practical things every day.”

“If gold import is stopped, we will have no current account deficit. If we cannot curb gold demand, we cannot build India. Gold does not fulfill any real need. We have 30000 tons of gold in India – the world’s largest reserve. We still import 1000 MT a year! What is needed for ornaments and weddings can be met by internal market. A lot of gold is lying idle. Available gold with people is enough to give 100 grams to every family! Our gold needs can be met without imports. If we cannot promote self-reliance even in a commodity like gold, which we cannot really use, we have no right to invoke Gandhi.”

Dr. JP said that to fulfill the second pledge of giving 10% of our income and time for charity and community “We don’t have to deprive or starve our families.”

“When our children inherit our assets, let 90% go to them, and 10% to society in some form. Family comes first. But society comes next. Let our 10% income, time and assets build the community – library, park, school, hospital, museum. Our time can go to volunteer to teach, manage traffic, fight fires, maintain parks or graveyards.

“We build a nation when our personal growth and public good go together. Let us begin in simple things every day.”

Lok Satta Party leaders DVVS Varma, Bandaru Rammohana Rao, N.Saroja devi, Dosapati Ramu, E.Chennaiah, P. Ravimaruth and large number of cadre took part in the programme.

No other civil society movement or political party has achieved so much in so short a time as the Lok Satta in transforming politics in India, asserted Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today. “Yet, we have miles to go for realizing our goal of good politics and good governance,” he added.

Addressing media to mark the seventh anniversary of the party, Dr. JP pointed out that the Lok Satta was largely responsible for adoption of three Constitutional amendments by Parliament. The 91st amendment to the Constitution imposing a ceiling on the number of Ministers at the Center and in States, the 97th amendment providing for autonomy to cooperatives, and the 120th amendment facilitating formation of a Judicial Appointments Commission are all the results of Lok Satta efforts.

The Lok Satta was also instrumental in the adoption of laws providing for disclosure of assets and liabilities and criminal antecedents of electoral contestants, formation of local courts, political funding law and right to information. Its initiatives for laws on guaranteeing service to citizens and formation of an Indian Judicial Service will bear fruit shortly.

Recalling Lok Satta’s efforts to go to the rescue of the farmer, Dr. JP said it has succeeded in persuading the Union Government to permit export of food grains and impose customs duty on import of edible oils. It has ensured a better price for AP paddy by fighting against illegal restrictions on its movement outside the State. It is fighting on behalf of farmers for the promotion of genetically modified crops.

Dr. JP said the distinction for electing office-bearers through secret ballot for the first time in decades in Indian history goes to the Lok Satta Party.

A lot more remains to be done to transform our politics, governance and economy. Proportional representation system, strong and empowered local governments, independent and effective anti-corruption institutions, and service guarantees law are the most important changes required to make our politics an instrument to improve the lot of the people. Lok Satta is dedicated to creating new politics to a new generation of Indians, and will pursue these goals steadfastly over the next few years, Dr JP said.

Dr. JP appealed to youth, women, farmers, middle classes and self-employed people to be in the forefront in the fight for good governance and economic prosperity. The Lok Satta Party has launched the Surajya movement to demand among other things quality education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities for all, decentralization of administration, provision of Government services as a matter of right and strong institutional mechanisms for eradicating corruption.

Dr. JP said he has no doubt that in the next five to 10 years politics will undergo a transformation for the better because of the awakening among youth, rise of the middle class and the impact of the media.

Dr. JP said the party would decide on its 2014 general election strategy at the party’s General Council meeting in Hyderabad on October 19. The council will debate whether it should contest in all seats or concentrate in select seats and whether it should enter into alliances and if so with whom. The Lok Satta, he said, is conscious of its limitations: First it is short of resources since it does not believe in collecting black money. Second, it does not divide people on the basis of caste and religion, region and language. Third, it has to contend with parties whose agendas and methods are entirely different. And finally, Lok Satta wants to pursue ethical politics and opposes vote buying and short-term freebies.

He disclosed that the Lok Satta Party has decided to extend unconditional support to the Aam Aadmi Party in the Delhi elections.

Replying to a question on formation of Telangana State, Dr. JP said the Lok Satta stood for an amicable, comprehensive and permanent solution. Whether the State is divided or kept united, the concerns of aggrieved people should be addressed and resolved. Dr. JP pointed out that protagonists on either side of the current great divide have roused false hopes and fuelled unnecessary fears. Formation of a separate State will neither be a panacea nor a catastrophe, he added.

State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao recalled the Lok Satta fought against malpractices at petrol bunks and facilitated easy enrolment of voters. The Lok Satta played a key role in the launch of the National Rural Health Mission, cancellation of the 2 G spectrum licenses, thwarting of the move to provide immunity to convicted legislators from being disqualified, and the Nirbahaya law enactment.

Lok Satta Party leaders D. V. V. S. Varma, Ravi Maruth, N. Saroja Devi, P. Sivaji and Dosapati Ramu took part in the get-together with the media.