Press Releases Archive

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Nilayam at Bolarum in Secunderabad and sought his support in ushering in some fundamental political and governance reforms in the New Year.

Dr. JP underlined that the reforms are a must to dispel the pall of gloom and despair that has shrouded the nation in 2012.

Dr. JP told the President that his blessings are necessary to accelerate the pace of change on a number of fronts. In particular, he called for political and electoral reforms including replacement of the first-past-the post system by a proportional representation system. Local governments should be strengthened and made as the third tier of federalism. A National Judicial Commission for appointment and removal of higher judiciary and an Indian Judicial Service for appointment of district judges should be constituted. There is need for institution of strong and independent anti corruption mechanisms like Lokpal, Lokayukta and Ombudsmen and effective policing. Citizens should be entitled to Government services as a matter of right.

Wishing people a happy and prosperous 2013, Dr. JP said in a media statement that 2012 was characterized by inchoate discontent, street protests, parliamentary logjams and further erosion of legitimacy of Governments and political parties.

"This political decline coupled with economic slowdown has spread an air of defeatism and despair. Let us, however, remember that the night is darkest before the dawn. India has the capacity and resources to come out of temporary difficulties and build a vibrant democracy and prosperous economy of which all of us can justly be proud."

Dr. JP pointed out that big changes require a few critical levers to be in place. They include strong local government, service delivery, anti corruption mechanisms and electoral reforms. On the economic front, the focus should be on sectors like power, transport, education and healthcare.

DR. JP said: "The energy and passion of millions of young people need to be channelized creatively and constructively to a build an India of our dreams and liberate every citizen from the scourge of poverty. I am sure that 2013 will herald the beginning of change."

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan said that the tragic death of gang-rape victim Nirbhaya should be viewed as a defining moment in the life of Indian society and harnessed property to transform history.

Dr. JP said in a media statement that Nirbhaya’s courageous fight against heavy odds symbolizes the spirit and resolve of young people even as the episode mirrors the evil that pervades our society.

Conveying Lok Satta Party’s deepest sympathies to the grieving parents and family, Dr. JP said the tragedy should help us focus on two fundamental issues: First, what the State and society should do to make our homes and public spaces safe for all citizens, especially women. We need to act with clarity and resolve on legal, institutional, educational, police, society and family fronts.

“It is easy to focus on one or two areas and ignore the rest. That will be an act of cowardice. We need to focus the searchlight into ourselves and convert the tragedy into an opportunity for a more humane, gender-sensitive and civilized society.”

Second, the episode highlights the neglect and failure of the Indian State in discharging its primary duty. In any civilized society, the Government should focus on protection of citizens. It encompasses maintenance of public order, rule of law, competent, effective, impartial and fair policing, speedy and efficient justice delivery and building of institutions and infrastructure to facilitate these outcomes.

“The Indian State has woefully neglected these areas because they are not regarded as significant for vote mobilization. It is time that we changed our attitude and make the State do its primary job.

“Even at this late hour, we can act with determination and integrity on these two fronts. That will be a fitting tribute to the young life that is snuffed out prematurely. It will be a creative and honest response to the angst that millions of Indians now share.”

At the Lok Satta Party headquarters, leaders observed two minutes of silence to express their grief over the death of Nirbhay. State party General Secretary Katari Srinivasa Rao and Greater Hyderabad unit President M. Satyanarayana were among those who took part in the program.