Press Releases Archive

The Lok Satta Party today demanded that the Government ban acquisition of double crop land for establishment of thermal power plants, special economic zones, and industries, a thorough review of the Land Acquisition Act and appointment of a quasi judicial authority to decide on the land needed for various industries.

Briefing the media on the decisions taken by the party’s State Working Committee during its two-day deliberations, Mr. Bhisetty Babji, V. Laxman Balaji. G. Raja Reddy and Narra Sridhar wanted the Government to abandon its bid to promote a thermal power plant at Sompeta and immediately return to farmers the lands already acquired from them.

The Lok Satta recognized the need for establishing industries and power plants for economic development. However, the decisions should not be taken unilaterally and imposed on people. Industries that harm the environment and people’s health should be established only after remedial measures are in place. The monetary compensation paid to farmers should exceed the market value of the property acquired. In addition, the displaced farmers should be given shares in the industry and a member of their families be trained and given a job. Compensation should be extended not merely to those who part with their land but also to others who depend on land for their livelihood in the form of housing and alternative livelihood opportunities.

Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, President and Mr. DVVS Varma, Working President, presided over the meetings.

In a resolution, the party demanded that municipal elections be held on schedule since their postponement under some pretext or the other is unconstitutional. The party sought direct election to the posts of chairman and mayor and resolution of people’s problems through elected ward committees. The party will organize demonstrations at all municipal offices on August 25 to reiterate its demand.

The party criticized the Government for its failure to ensure availability of fertilizers to farmers even after the onset of sowing. It wanted the Government to strengthen the bunds of the Krishna and its tributaries on a war-footing since floods of the October 2009 magnitude would result in heavy loss of life and property. It decided to continue its agitation against Government’s excise policy which is ruining people’s lives by promoting liquor consumption.

The Working Committee session was underway even at 5 p.m.

Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today called upon the party rank and file to strengthen the organization with redoubled vigor since there is absolutely no alternative to the party to change the country’s politics. There are innumerable people all over the State and the country who are fed up with present day politics and are thirsting for change. The Lok Satta should serve as a platform for all of them, and not as the property of its members.

Addressing the party’s State Working Committee, Dr. JP said the challenges the party faced in its mission to transform the nature of politics are formidable. The cadre should realize that the Lok Satta is fighting for a historical transformation of India. This transformation needs collective effort, humility and long-term perspective. “We must set our course by the twinkle of distant stars, not by the heights of passing ships,” Dr. JP said.

Dr. JP underlined that the Lok Satta’s model is different from that of traditional parties. People in other parties may shine with money, ostentation and pomp and media coverage but in the Lok Satta the members need to have basic knowledge of public issues, and leadership qualities to awaken the people and mobilize support..

The Lok Satta President called for inspiring party cadres with its stream of thought, continuous training, and strengthening of the organization. Municipal elections whenever they are held will provide an opportunity for the party to spread its wings.

Local campaigns for direct elections in municipalities and empowerment of people at the ward level by transferring Rs.1000 per capita directly should be the corner-stone of party activity in urban areas. There should be an intense village-wise campaign to make people understand what is possible if politics is transformed through ‘Palle Velugu’ program.

He called on the party to mobilize people at the State-level on the two issues of implementing Phase III of the Krishna river water scheme for Hyderabad and safeguarding the entire Krishna basin region from catastrophic floods like those witnessed in October 2009.

Mr. D. V. V. S. Varma, State Working President, presided over the two-day meeting. It is discussing the current political situation in the State and the tasks before it.