Dr. JP to make way for others in party: 'Empowerment not abdication'
The time has come to demonstrate that the Lok Satta Party does not revolve round certain individuals, Dr. JP told a media conference on the eve of the Lok Satta Party’s fifth anniversary.
“It is not abdication; it is empowerment,” said Dr. JP elaborating on his plans. He would continue to be the party’s national President, while a new person will be elected as State President. He would continue to be the State party’s friend, philosopher and guide. The Lok Satta Party is celebrating its fifth anniversary at Ongole on October 8 and 9.
Dr. JP said that the Lok Satta Party has succeeded in providing a platform for pursuing clean politics. Its strong agenda and leadership’s commitment have earned recognition and respect from large sections of people. Lok Satta’s consistent efforts have begun to bear fruit, he said referring to the proposal for creation of strong and independent anti-corruption mechanisms. Its fight on behalf of the farmers has made the Union Government relax the ban on rice exports. Farmers in Andhra Pradesh alone will benefit to the tune of Rs.3000 crore this year with rice millers offering Rs.1000 a bag of paddy against only 700 earlier.
Pointing out that the Lok Satta has been fighting for empowerment of youth through skill development, Dr. JP said he was glad the Union Government had at last long initiated a project to impart job-oriented skills to nearly 15 crore youth by 2022.
Despite its many successes, Dr. JP said, the party is yet to be fully structured on democratic lines because of the ‘slave culture’ promoted by traditional parties in the polity. He is, however, happy to note that people who have shunned politics for decades are now taking interest. The Lok Satta Party needs people who can spare their time and talent for building it up.
Considering that the Lok Satta Party is growing and contesting elections in States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, Dr. JP said he intended to forge a national team to lead it.
Dr. JP announced he would be visiting Germany next month to study the proportional representation system of elections there. Only such a system will curb the use of money power, enable the sincere and the competent to enter the election arena and ensure representation to Dalits, minorities and other weaker sections.
He indicated that the Lok Satta would try to build a consensus on proportional representation in consultation with all the concerned stakeholders. The party would make restriction on liquor consumption an important electoral plank in the 2014 general elections.
Dr. JP released a booklet outlining in brief the Lok Satta’s journey in the last five years.
Mr, D. V. V. S. Varma. Lok Satta Party State Working President, said that the party had survived despite doubts of many because it met a historical necessity. People were thirsting for a new party for the new generation as most traditional parties indulged in looting the country. He said the party would come out with an action plan at its Ongole conference to address people’s problems and strengthen the organization.
Mr. Katari Srinivasa Rao, party General Secretary, welcomed the media representatives.
Leaders of the Lok Satta Party and its affiliated organizations including V. Laxman Balji, Bandaru Ramamohan Rao, K.. Gita Murthy, N. Saroja Devi, S. Manorama, M. Satyanarayana, Y. Ramadevi, P. Sivaji, P.Panduranga Rao, P. Bhaskara Rao, E. Chennayya took part in the media meet.
