Saturday, April 30, 2011
Dr. JP condemns attack on Akbaruddin
Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today condemned the dastardly attack on Mr. Akbaruddin Owaisi, MIM legislator from Chandrayanagutta, and demanded that the culprits be brought to book swiftly.
In a media statement, he asked what would be the fate of the common person if the leader of a recognized legislature party becomes the victim of such a daytime, daredevil attack in the capital city.
Dr. JP wanted the Government to constitute at least belatedly a land protection squad in the backdrop of reports that the attack on Mr. Akbaruddin is a sequel to a land dispute. He pointed out that the steep escalation in land values in a city like Hyderabad have encouraged anti social elements to gobble up Government and wakf lands and even tanks.
Dr. JP, accompanied by party leaders Katari Srinivasa Rao, V. Ramachandraiah, Narra Sridhar, and Allu Siva Ramesh Reddy called on Mr. Akbaruddin at Owaisi Hospital and wished him speedy recovery.
Dr. JP also condemned attacks on some party leaders campaigning in Kadapa by-elections and asked the Election Commission to ensure hassle-free campaigning. No party should encourage such physical attacks, he added.
In a media statement, he asked what would be the fate of the common person if the leader of a recognized legislature party becomes the victim of such a daytime, daredevil attack in the capital city.
Dr. JP wanted the Government to constitute at least belatedly a land protection squad in the backdrop of reports that the attack on Mr. Akbaruddin is a sequel to a land dispute. He pointed out that the steep escalation in land values in a city like Hyderabad have encouraged anti social elements to gobble up Government and wakf lands and even tanks.
Dr. JP, accompanied by party leaders Katari Srinivasa Rao, V. Ramachandraiah, Narra Sridhar, and Allu Siva Ramesh Reddy called on Mr. Akbaruddin at Owaisi Hospital and wished him speedy recovery.
Dr. JP also condemned attacks on some party leaders campaigning in Kadapa by-elections and asked the Election Commission to ensure hassle-free campaigning. No party should encourage such physical attacks, he added.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Yuva Satta to fight Local elections
The State Working Committee of the Yuva Satta, the youth wing of the Lok Satta Party, today decided to field candidates in the ensuring elections to panchayats, mandal praja parishads, and zilla parishads.
Giving this information in a media statement, Mr. Dasari Ratnam, Yuva Satta President, said that the organization had initiated necessary training programs State wide as part of its plan to develop 10,000 young leaders in the next two years.
The Yuva Satta, he said, would mobilize the youth to fight against corruption and social inequality and for political reforms. It would educate them on skill development and livelihood avenues.
Lok Satta Party Working President D. V. V. S. Varma, General Secretary Katari Sinivasa Rao, and Yuva Satta Coordinator Dr. Panduranga Rao addressed the meeting, which was attended by Vidyarthi Satta leaders too.
Mr. Ratnam said that he aimed at making the Lok Satta a party of the youth, considering that youth accounted for the bulk of India’s population and the country’s future depended on them.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Report on Development At Kukatpally
The report on Development at Kukatpally can be downloaded from the following links.
http://www.loksatta.org/cms/documents/KukatpallyDevelopment_2009-2011.pdf
http://www.loksatta.org/cms/documents/KukatpallyDevelopment_2009-2011_textonly.pdf
http://www.loksatta.org/cms/documents/KukatpallyDevelopment_2009-2011.pdf
http://www.loksatta.org/cms/documents/KukatpallyDevelopment_2009-2011_textonly.pdf
Monday, April 25, 2011
People for Lok Satta elects its First Executive Board
The People for Lok Satta (PFL), the nonprofit political organization of overseas supporters of the Lok Satta Party, adopted a new constitution and elected its first Executive Board at the international level and several chapter-level boards across the U. S.
The new Executive Board will start functioning from May 1, 2011.
Elections Commissioners Sreekanth Godey and Padma Bhupatiraju, conducted the internal elections. The elections were conducted under the preferential system of voting in line with Lok Satta Party’s philosophy, instead of the traditional first-past-the-post majority system.
Mr. Prasanna Meda from Bay Area, one of the founders of PFL, was elected President.
Mr. Dilip Sankarreddy from Baltimore, who has been handling membership and finances, was elected Vice President (Finance).
Mr. Kiran Indukuri, who served as the coordinator of the Seattle chapter, was elected Vice President (Membership). Mr. Jawahar Kambhampati, project head of the anti-corruption walk “Dandi March 2”, was elected Vice President (Projects).
Ms. Hyma Sagi, who coordinated the “Rejuvenate India” events that Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan attended in the U. S., was elected Vice President (Events).
Mr. Dinesh Pagadala from Houston, who has been handling PFL’s media activities, was elected Vice President (Media).
Mr. Kalyan Raman, one of PFL’s founder-members, said he was hopeful of the new executive comprising mostly young people, would strengthen the PFL among NRIs.
The PFL has organized events and campaigns like “Rejuvenate India”, “Kill Corruption”, “NRI absentee voting rights” and “Dandi March II” in the U. S. and several other countries over the last two years.
Mr. Prasanna Meda, the President, announced that the Executive Board would work towards strengthening the Lok Satta Party for the 2014 Indian elections drawing upon its two-year experience in successfully growing the PFL.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Let Sai’s Services Inspire Us: Lok Satta
The Lok Satta Party today expressed its profound grief over the passing away of Satya Sai Baba. In a media Statement Lok Satta Party State Working President DVVS Varma said that Sai Baba has done immense service to the people by taking up activities like provision of education, health care and driking water supply without discrimination between regions. Satya Sai has demonstrated that service to human beings is service to God. Mr. Varma expressed the hope that the Satya Sai Trusts and his devotees will carry on his activities. “The real tribute to Baba lies in promoting values like love, peace and mutual respect”.
Live Web Cast of Jan Lokpal Roundtable
Live Web Cast of Jan Lokpal Roundtable : http://www.ustream.tv/channel/janlokpal-roundtable
Friday, April 22, 2011
Shed obsession with Kadapa and go to farmers’ Rescue, Lok Satta tells Ministers
The Lok Satta Party today demanded that Ministers halt revolving round Kadapa where by-elections are taking place and focus their attention on rescuing rabi rice farmers badly hit by unusual rains.
Farmers will not forgive the Government if it lets them again now as during the kharif season, warned Lok Satta Party Working President D. V. V. S. Varma and Secretary P. Bhaskara Rao. The power-obsessed Government is unconcerned about all public issues other than the Kadapa by-elections, they charged.
In a media statement, the Lok Satta leaders pointed out that rains have damaged the rabi paddy crop in East and West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore, Nalgonda and other districts. The State Government should exert pressure on the Union Government to permit export of boiled rice, which commands a market abroad. (Rain-soaked paddy is fit for conversion into boiled rice).
The Lok Satta Party leaders recalled that during the kharif season the State Government failed to enable farmers to market paddy outside the State and persuade the Government of India to permit exports outside the country. With both the Government and rice millers letting them down, farmers had to make distress sales at Rs.100 to Rs.200 less than the minimum support prices.
The leaders said that rains have damaged crops like maize, chilli, and turmeric and plantations like banana and mango in Coastal Andhra and districts like Karimnagar and Khammam in Telangana.
They wanted the Government to permit farmers to sell paddy/rice anywhere in the country, pressurize the Union Government to permit export of fine rice and boiled rice, dispatch teams to study crop losses and arrange for payment of compensation to farmers.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
New Delhi Round Table to sort out Contentious Lok Pal issues: Dr.JP
Eminent citizens of unimpeachable credentials and rich and varied experience in a host of fields are congregating in New Delhi on April 24 to build a consensus on the proposed Lok Pal and other institutional mechanisms to combat corruption.
The Lok Satta, Foundation for Democratic Reforms, Transparency International, and Centre for Media Studies are organizing the Round Table.
Addressing a media conference, Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan said here today that the day-long deliberations at the India International Center would grapple with contentious issues and strive to arrive at a consensus. Significantly, all the civil society members included in the committee appointed by the Union Government to draft the Lok Pal Bill will be taking part in the Round Table.
The Round Table will focus on questions like:
Should the Prime Minister be brought under the purview of the Lok Pal?
Should the Lok Pal have jurisdiction over higher judiciary too?
How should anti corruption agencies like the CBI and the Vigilance Commission at the national level be seamlessly integrated with the Lok Pal?
What sort of mechanisms should be built at the State level to combat corruption?
Dr. JP disclosed that the Lok Satta Party would fine tune the Bill to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act which it had proposed in 2009 and submit it to the Chief Minister and leaders of all Opposition parties soon. With all political parties in the State publicly committing themselves to corruption eradication, he was hopeful of the legislature adopting the Bill.
Dr. JP said that institution of a Lok Pal and amendments to anti corruption laws are necessary but not sufficient to tackle the deeply entrenched pandemic of corruption. Decentralization of power and electoral reforms are essential to root out corruption in the long run. Meanwhile, institution of mechanisms that hold out prospect of certain imprisonment and forfeiture of ill-gotten property would send the right message to the corrupt.
In this context, Dr. JP cited how political parties in the neighboring State of Tamil Nadu and those contesting by-elections in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh have resorted to splurging black money to get elected and said that corruption could not be eradicated unless the political system was thoroughly cleansed. He asked people to realize that those who spend hundreds of crores of rupees in elections are interested in earning many times more than their investment and not in public welfare. He would appeal to voters in Kadapa to reject all the contestants who viewed elections as a means to enrich themselves.
Replying to a question, he said he was confident of Parliament adopting the Lok Pal Bill since political parties could not afford to ignore the nation’s mood in the wake of Anna Hazare’s fast. Parliament, he recalled, had adopted laws on right to information and contributions to political parties.
Dr. JP congratulated ISRO scientists on the successful launch of the PSLV.
The following is a list of invitees to the Round Table:
1. Justice MN Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India
2. Justice JS Verma, Former Chief Justice of India
3. Justice Santosh Hegde, Karnataka Lokayukta
4. Justice Rajindar Sachar, Chief Justice (Retd) - High Court of Delhi
5. Sri Fali S Nariman, distinguished Indian Constitutional jurist, and senior advocate to the Supreme Court of India
6. Sri Soli Sorabjee, Former Attorney General of India
7. Sri Ram Jethmalani, Former Law Minister of India a senior advocate to the Supreme Court of India
8. Anil B Divan, Sr. Advocate Supreme Court of India
9. Sri Prashant Bhushan, Supreme Court Advocate
10. Sri Ashok Arora, Advicate & former Secretary Supreme Court Bar Association
11. Sri Sanjay Parikh, Supreme Court Advocate
12. Sri N Gopalaswami, former Chief Election Commissioner of India
13. Sri JM Lyngdoh, former Chief Election Commissioner of India
14. Sri TS Krishnamurthy, former Chief Election Commissioner of India
15. Sri P Shankar, former Chief Vigilance Commissioner
16. Sri Pratyush Sinha, former Chief Vigilance Commissioner
17. Dr Bhaskara Rao, Chairman, Centre for Media Studies
18. Admiral RH Tahiliani, Former Chief of the Naval Staff
19. Sri P.S. Bawa, Chairman, Transparency International India
20. Dr Jayaprakash Narayan, General Secretary, Foundation for Democratic Reforms & founder of Lok Satta and Lok Satta Party
21. Sri Surendra Srivastava, Social Activist and State Coordinator Lok Satta Maharashtra
22. Sri Wajahat Habibullah, Chairman , National Commission for Minorities,
23. Sri Prakash Singh, formerly Director General BSF, DGP UP and Assam,
24. Dr R.K.Raghavan,, Former Director, CBI
25. Dr. Trinath Mishra, Former Director, CBI
26. Dr Kamal Kumar, former Director, National Police Academy
27. Sri C Anjaneya Reddy, Former DGP Andhra Pradesh
28. Sri PS Ramamohan Rao, Former Governor Tamil Nadu
29. Sri Julio Ribeiro, Indian Ambassador to Romania & retired police officer
30. D.R.Kaarthikeyan, Former Director, CBI
31. Ms Madhu Kishwar, a leading feminist, and editor of Manushi (a journal devoted to human rights and women's rights issues)
32. Prof Yogendra Yadav, social scientist
33. Sri K.N. Govindacharya, Rashtriya Swabhiman Andolan
34. Dr. Subramanian Swamy, President of Janata Party & former Law Minister of India
35. Sri Sudesh Agarwal, Smast Bhartiya Party
36. Ms Aruna Roy , Social Activist
37. Smt. Vineeta Rai, member secretary, 2nd ARC
38. Sri V. Ramachandran, Former Chief Secretary to Govt & was Joint Secretary to Prime Ministers (Smt. Indira Gandhi and Shri. Morarji Desai), Chairman, Centre for Management Development
39. Sri Shekar Gupta
40. Sri B.G.Verghese, former Editor, Indian Express and Hindustan Times
41. Sri Sivaramakrishnan K C, former Secretary to Government of India
42. Sri Pratap Bhanu Mehta, President & Chief Executive - Centre for Policy Research
43. Sri Subhash C Kashyap, Member of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution and Chairman of its Drafting and Editorial Committee.
44. Sri TSR Subramanian, Former Cabinet secretary
45. Sri Naresh Chandra, Former Cabinet secretary
46. Sri B B Tandon, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India
47. Sri VA Pai Panandiker, Academy of International Education
48. Smt Indu Jain, Chairperson, Times Foundation
49. Smt. Shobhana Bhartia, former Rajya Sabha Member
50. Mr. Thakurta
51. Mr. Priteesh Nandi
52. Sri Parth J. Shah, President, Centre for Civil Society
53. Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, MBBS, MPhil, MPA, Founder, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement
54. Shri Anna Hazare, Social activist
55. Shri Shanti Bhusan, former Union Law Minister & well known Supreme Court Advocate
56. Shri Aravind Kejariwal, Social Activist, Parivartan
57. Smt Kiran Bedi, (IPS Retd.), social activist and a retired(IPS) officer
58. Shri Harsh Mander, Member NAC & Centre for Equity Studies,
59. Sri Shekhar Singh, Working Committee Member, National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (NCPRI)
60. Sri N Ram, Editor-in-Chief - The Hindu, Chennai
61. Sri Nikhil Dey, Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, Rajasthan
62. Sri Venkatesh Nayak, programme Coordinator, CHRI
63. Sri Sukumar Muralidharan, International Federation of Journalists
64. Justice Mukul Mudgal, former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court
65 Dr. Mridula Mukherjee, Director, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
66. Sri Shailesh Gandhi, Central Information Commissioner
67. Sri K. K. Jaswal, I.A.S. ( Retd.), Director, Common Cause
68. Sri BR Lall, former Jt Director – CBI
69. Ms Maja Daruwala, Director, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Lok Satta Times April 16th-30th 2011
Lok Satta times April 16th-30th, 2011 can be downloaded from the following link
http://www.loksatta.org/cms/documents/lstimes/lstimes-2011-04-16-30.pdf
http://www.loksatta.org/cms/documents/lstimes/lstimes-2011-04-16-30.pdf
Dr. JP decries mudslinging against Lok Pal Committee members
Besmirching the reputation and undermining the credibility of the non-official members of the committee appointed to draft the Lok Pal Bill is totally unwarranted, said Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan here today.
In a media statement, Dr. JP said there could be no two opinions on the need for a robust and independent Ombudsman to eradicate corruption. There can be genuine differences of opinion on specific proposals calling for reasoned debate for resolving them. Mudslinging will merely derail the just and worthy cause for which India against Corruption is fighting.
Dr. JP pointed out that both Shanthi Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan, members of the committee, have impeccable credentials and they do not require certificates from anybody. Even in the hypothetical case of some members’ credentials being suspect, the focus should be on what they have to say and not what they are.
Dr. JP recalled that politicians of mainstream political parties have been getting away by accusing each other of being more corrupt and conveniently burying the demand for an impartial investigation. A similar fate should not befall the move to create an independent and powerful Lok Pal, Dr. JP added.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Fighting graft is good politics: Dr.JP
Call it a popular uprising or a movement that had mass appeal. Three things led to the massive public campaign against corruption led by social activist Anna Hazare: The 2G spectrum scam, the huge sums swindled in organising the Commonwealth Games and the controversial appointment of Central Vigilance Commissioner P J Thomas, later struck down by the Supreme Court.
The feeling of betrayal sweeping across the nation as an under current found a face in Anna Hazare. Blemish-free Anna Hazare evoked the spirit of Mahatma; he looked like Mahatma and acted like one and people followed him and so did the media.
Indian media, hitherto mostly power driven, suddenly became issue driven and gave round the clock coverage of Anna’s indefinite hunger strike. The profound involvement of the electronic and print media magnified the seriousness of the issue.
But for a population of more than 100 crore and still counting, the percentage of people who came out on to the streets in support of Anna and his fight against corruption is very small. Though it is significant that the urban middle class for the first time was willing to play a critical role, a large segment of the population still remained dormant spectators.
Why are we passive?
After independence, the first generation of freedom fighters’ primary concern was “family”. The tragedy is the abdication of politics by their succeeding generations. That deprived the nation some good politicians. The middle class in India mostly talk against politics. Anna is unwittingly a part of the depoliticised society. He often says that he is not a politician, but the fight against corruption is nothing but politics.
The middle class differs with the poor and their aspirations. The poor need ration cards, free education. Where as middle class send their children to corporate schools and seek treatment in corporate hospitals; they don’t need Rs 2 a kg rice like the poor. In fact the burgeoning middle class doesn’t identify itself with the ‘aam aadmi’.
The urban middle class did show interest in issues related to the ‘aam aadmi’ only on a couple of occasions. One such incident is the terrorist attack on Mumbai. The whole of the financial capital united against the foreign sponsored terror on Indian soil. But the bonhomie was short lived. No one came out to vote in the ensuing elections in Mumbai to continue and consolidate what they started. There was poor turnout on the day of polling. An ever vigilant educated middle class is needed to sustain any change in the system.
A robust institution like Lokpal is required to curb corruption. Karnataka is a good example as the Lokayukta of the state gave hopes to its people. But why is Justice Nitte Santosh Hegde, the Karnataka Lokayukta, himself frustrated and wanted to quit. He felt that the ruling government in the state is indifferent to corruption.
There is no single button that could be pushed to change the system, even after the Lokpal Bill becomes an Act passed by Parliament. The middle class hope for such a miracle but stay away from bringing about the change. But with no desire to politically engage themselves and by shunning politics, only corrupt politicians will have a monopoly over the system.
Visiting different places in the country I have seen people in anguish over corruption, but what was missing is the connecting link. In Anna’s hunger strike we found the missing link. Once in a while Mumbai terror aftermath and Hazare happen, but they are transient. With the Lokayukta, the government and the opposition will be compelled to initiate some action against corruption. It’s a good step forward.
Make no mistake, the anguish of the people is not about the bill, it’s about corruption. The popular outcry is not an endorsement to the bill but against few corrupt people enjoying the fruits of freedom. What kind of institution Lokpal Pal will be without the prime minister of the country being covered under its purview.
Similarly, bringing the judiciary under the Lokpal is not justifiable. The Supreme Court is a time tested institution and one cannot wish to bring it under the purview of a new born baby. The Lokpal is a weapon used against corruption, but it should be used carefully, like hunger strike that Mahatma used judiciously.
Tools of democracy
Many talked about an Egypt type of mass movement against corruption. An Egypt type of agitation is needed when there is no liberty for the people. But democracy has so many inbuilt tools to protect its polity. We don’t have to replicate a Tiananmen Square or Tahrir Square as politics provides us a wonderful platform to bring about change in very swift and decisive moves, without shedding a single drop of blood.
Mahatma once said “politics ensnarls you like the coils of a snake.” What Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Aung San Suu Kyi did was nothing but good politics.
We need our politicians to help decentralise power, take care of villages, provide education, provide gainful employment to unskilled labour, and bring in election reforms. But it requires deep involvement of the middle class and the media.
Look at Tamil Nadu where freebies were doled out to attract the voters in the Assembly election held last week. Look at Karnataka, it couldn’t stop corruption despite having a strong Lokayukta. Eradicating corruption requires sustained efforts by embracing good politics and not by good people shunning politics.
Courtesy: Deccan Herald
The feeling of betrayal sweeping across the nation as an under current found a face in Anna Hazare. Blemish-free Anna Hazare evoked the spirit of Mahatma; he looked like Mahatma and acted like one and people followed him and so did the media.
Indian media, hitherto mostly power driven, suddenly became issue driven and gave round the clock coverage of Anna’s indefinite hunger strike. The profound involvement of the electronic and print media magnified the seriousness of the issue.
But for a population of more than 100 crore and still counting, the percentage of people who came out on to the streets in support of Anna and his fight against corruption is very small. Though it is significant that the urban middle class for the first time was willing to play a critical role, a large segment of the population still remained dormant spectators.
Why are we passive?
After independence, the first generation of freedom fighters’ primary concern was “family”. The tragedy is the abdication of politics by their succeeding generations. That deprived the nation some good politicians. The middle class in India mostly talk against politics. Anna is unwittingly a part of the depoliticised society. He often says that he is not a politician, but the fight against corruption is nothing but politics.
The middle class differs with the poor and their aspirations. The poor need ration cards, free education. Where as middle class send their children to corporate schools and seek treatment in corporate hospitals; they don’t need Rs 2 a kg rice like the poor. In fact the burgeoning middle class doesn’t identify itself with the ‘aam aadmi’.
The urban middle class did show interest in issues related to the ‘aam aadmi’ only on a couple of occasions. One such incident is the terrorist attack on Mumbai. The whole of the financial capital united against the foreign sponsored terror on Indian soil. But the bonhomie was short lived. No one came out to vote in the ensuing elections in Mumbai to continue and consolidate what they started. There was poor turnout on the day of polling. An ever vigilant educated middle class is needed to sustain any change in the system.
A robust institution like Lokpal is required to curb corruption. Karnataka is a good example as the Lokayukta of the state gave hopes to its people. But why is Justice Nitte Santosh Hegde, the Karnataka Lokayukta, himself frustrated and wanted to quit. He felt that the ruling government in the state is indifferent to corruption.
There is no single button that could be pushed to change the system, even after the Lokpal Bill becomes an Act passed by Parliament. The middle class hope for such a miracle but stay away from bringing about the change. But with no desire to politically engage themselves and by shunning politics, only corrupt politicians will have a monopoly over the system.
Visiting different places in the country I have seen people in anguish over corruption, but what was missing is the connecting link. In Anna’s hunger strike we found the missing link. Once in a while Mumbai terror aftermath and Hazare happen, but they are transient. With the Lokayukta, the government and the opposition will be compelled to initiate some action against corruption. It’s a good step forward.
Make no mistake, the anguish of the people is not about the bill, it’s about corruption. The popular outcry is not an endorsement to the bill but against few corrupt people enjoying the fruits of freedom. What kind of institution Lokpal Pal will be without the prime minister of the country being covered under its purview.
Similarly, bringing the judiciary under the Lokpal is not justifiable. The Supreme Court is a time tested institution and one cannot wish to bring it under the purview of a new born baby. The Lokpal is a weapon used against corruption, but it should be used carefully, like hunger strike that Mahatma used judiciously.
Tools of democracy
Many talked about an Egypt type of mass movement against corruption. An Egypt type of agitation is needed when there is no liberty for the people. But democracy has so many inbuilt tools to protect its polity. We don’t have to replicate a Tiananmen Square or Tahrir Square as politics provides us a wonderful platform to bring about change in very swift and decisive moves, without shedding a single drop of blood.
Mahatma once said “politics ensnarls you like the coils of a snake.” What Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Aung San Suu Kyi did was nothing but good politics.
We need our politicians to help decentralise power, take care of villages, provide education, provide gainful employment to unskilled labour, and bring in election reforms. But it requires deep involvement of the middle class and the media.
Look at Tamil Nadu where freebies were doled out to attract the voters in the Assembly election held last week. Look at Karnataka, it couldn’t stop corruption despite having a strong Lokayukta. Eradicating corruption requires sustained efforts by embracing good politics and not by good people shunning politics.
Courtesy: Deccan Herald
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Lok Satta recalls Ambedkar's services
Lok Satta Party Working President D. V. V. S. Varma said today that the Constitution drafted by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar provides solutions to all the complex problems the nation is facing. We have to improve our political processes if the last person in the country is to benefit from constitutional provisions, he said.
Paying tributes to Dr. Ambedkar on his 121st birth anniversary at a function held at the party headquarters, Mr. Varma said that people transcending their narrow loyalties recognize Dr. Ambedkar's services.
Mr. Eeda Chennayya appealed to people, irrespective of their caste and religion, to join hands in realizing Dr. Ambedkar's dreams.
Party leaders V. Laxman Balaji, P. Bhaskara Rao, Ramadevi, Satyanarayana, and Parthasarathi were among those who took part in the function. Later, the party leaders and workers marched to Tank Bund and garlanded Dr. Ambedkar's statue.
Paying tributes to Dr. Ambedkar on his 121st birth anniversary at a function held at the party headquarters, Mr. Varma said that people transcending their narrow loyalties recognize Dr. Ambedkar's services.
Mr. Eeda Chennayya appealed to people, irrespective of their caste and religion, to join hands in realizing Dr. Ambedkar's dreams.
Party leaders V. Laxman Balaji, P. Bhaskara Rao, Ramadevi, Satyanarayana, and Parthasarathi were among those who took part in the function. Later, the party leaders and workers marched to Tank Bund and garlanded Dr. Ambedkar's statue.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Lok Satta warns against denial of Assistance to PG students
The move to deny scholarships and fee reimbursement to post-graduate students will spawn unrest, warned the Lok Satta Party here today.
Addressing a media conference, Lok Satta Party leaders wanted the Government to convene an all-party meeting and consult all stakeholders before taking a decision.
Party General Secretary Katari Srinivasa Rao and Secretary P. Bhaskara Rao said that the Government should provide quality primary education to every child irrespective of its caste or religion and enable all the deserving and desirous to pursue higher education. Education should be viewed as a means for wealth creation, they emphasized.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao, who took part in the party’s campaign for elections to the Tamil Nadu Assembly, hoped the party would make its presence felt in some of the 36 constituencies in which it fielded candidates. The mainstream parties in Tamil Nadu sought to lure voters with sops at the cost of the Government and distribution of ill-gotten money. In contrast, the Lok Satta Party told the voters that it aimed at making them self-reliant and not beggars.
Party leaders V. Laxman Balaji and Mrs. Gajanani took part in the media conference.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Lok Satta welcomes Govt. decision
The Lok Satta Party today welcomed the Union Government decision to constitute a committee comprising representatives of the Government and civil society to draft the Lok Pal Bill.
In a media statement, party Working President D. V. V. S. Varma had no alternative to bowing to public opinion in the wake of social activist Anna Hazare’s fast seeking constitution of a powerful and independent Lok Pal.
Inspired by the success of the current movement against corruption, people should now focus on bringing about electoral reforms and cleansing the political system. There could be no real change in their lives without a change in the nature of politics, Mr. Varma added.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Let us get a strong Lokpal, But don’t delegitimatize politics and elections : Dr. JP
Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today appealed to people not to demonize politics and politicians in the wake of the groundswell of support to social activist Anna Hazare’s indefinite fast seeking constitution of an independent and powerful Lok Pal.
In a media statement, Dr. JP expressed confidence that the Union Government would bow to public opinion and bring forward strong legislation to curb corruption. Anna Hazare succeeded in galvanizing a large section of people who have remained indifferent to the day-to-day functioning of democracy, corruption, banality and decadence in public life. He hoped that the Government would involve all stakeholders in the drafting of the law. In fact, such a sensible and consensual approach marked the enactment of the Right to Information law.
People, however, should realize that that there are no quick fixes or a panacea for combating corruption. Strong legislation is no doubt necessary but not sufficient. Many people who pinned their hopes on the RTI Act transforming governance were disappointed, not because it was a bad law but because of their unrealistic expectations. Do not expect a piece of legislation or a novel institution to undo all the damage done to democracy over decades.
Dr. JP also warned people against vilifying politics, politicians and political institutions. The crux of democracy lies in people’s mandate expressed through free and fair elections. Deriding politics amounts to deriding Mahama Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi. Many politicians including those in traditional parties are known for their integrity and commitment to the country. Dubbing people in politics as bad by definition and those outside as good is both fallacious and anti-democratic.
Dr. JP said that it is time young people shed their cynicism and indifference, accepted the burden of leadership and took part in politics. The media, said Dr. JP, has played a fantastic role in promoting public awareness about corruption. It should continue to play a constructive role by becoming a platform between people and elected representatives and help create institutions with checks and balances to fight corruption and promote good governance.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Lok Satta demonstrations in Support of Anna Hazare
Lok Satta Party activists and supporters will be taking out processions and organizing mass satyagraha’ all over the State on April 8 and 9 in support of fasting social activist Anna Hazare’s demand for constitution of a strong and independent mechanism to eradicate corruption.
Giving this information in a media statement, party Working President D. V. V. S. Varma called upon people to take part in this solidarity program transcending party affiliations as corruption is a national menace.
Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan will be addressing a meeting in support of Anna Hazare at 10-30 am. on Friday at Dharna Chowk, opposite Indira Park.
Giving this information in a media statement, party Working President D. V. V. S. Varma called upon people to take part in this solidarity program transcending party affiliations as corruption is a national menace.
Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan will be addressing a meeting in support of Anna Hazare at 10-30 am. on Friday at Dharna Chowk, opposite Indira Park.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Lok Satta Times April 1st-15th 2011
Lok Satta times April 1st-15th, 2011 can be downloaded from the following link
http://loksatta.org/cms/documents/lstimes/lstimes-2011-04-01-15.pdf
http://loksatta.org/cms/documents/lstimes/lstimes-2011-04-01-15.pdf
Lok Satta to organize Round Table on Lok Pal Bill in Delhi – Dr.JP
Foundation for Democratic Reforms and Lok Satta, in association with organizations like Transparency International and Center for Media Studies will be organizing a round table conference in New Delhi in the third week of April to hammer out a consensus on the creation of a powerful and independent Lok Pal at the national level and Lok Ayuktas in States.
Announcing this at a media conference here today, Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan expressed his whole-hearted support to social activist Anna Hazare’s crusade against corruption. He, however, appealed to Mr. Anna Hazare to call off his indefinite fast demanding adoption of a People’s Lok Pal Bill and wanted the Government to give a categorical assurance that it would consult all stakeholders before it finalized the Bill.
Dr. JP said that about 20 eminent people of impeccable integrity drawn from jurists, judiciary, and retired officials of the Vigilance Commission and the Election Commission of India would discuss the preliminary Lok Pal Bill drafted by officials, the recommendations of the first and the second Administrative Reforms Commission and the Law Commission, the provisions of Lok Ayukta Acts in States and successful institutions in countries like Hong Kong and arrive at a consensus on creating institutional mechanisms to root out corruption.
Dr. JP pointed out that the Lok Pal Bill on the drawing table is flawed in many respects. As per the Bill, the Lok Pal cannot initiate any inquiry on his own and can take up only cases referred to him by competent authorities. Instances of corruption dating back to five years become time-barred. The Lok Pal’s role is limited to giving a report on his findings because he is not empowered to take any action. Such a toothless Lok Pal at the national level would not help mitigate corruption, Dr. JP added.
Dr. JP said that corruption had become monumental because the guilty could now get away without the prospect of going to jail or their illegally acquired properties being attached.
The recent scandals relating to 2 G spectrum, the Adarsh Housing Society, the Commonwealth Games and allocation of scarce natural resources like mines have created a climate conducive for resolute action against corruption.
He appealed to people in all districts to organize round table conferences to ascertain how corruption could be fought effectively.
Replying to a question, Dr. JP said that the party would take a decision on contesting by-elections to the Assembly and the Lok Sabha from Kadapa after consultations with district party leaders.
In reply to another question, he said that India’s victory in World Cup cricket came as a beacon of light in a country enveloped in gloom and despair over corruption scandals.
Lok Satta Party leaders V. Lakshman Balaji, K. Gita Murthy, S, Manorama, P. Panduranga Rao and D. Sivaji took part in the meeting.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
AP Lok Satta team to Campaign in Tamilnadu
A Lok Satta Party team from Andhra Pradesh has left for Chennai to campaign for the party in the elections to the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
The Lok Satta Party, known as Makkal Sakti Katchi, in Tamilnadu has fielded its candidates in 36 constituencies.
Lok Satta Party General Secretary Katari Srinivasa Rao is heading the team which will focus its attention on important constituencies like Annanagar and Saidapet in Chennai.
The team comprises D. Lakshmi, M. Parthsarathi, A. Annapurna, Rajiv, Siva, Malyadri, Nagarjuna and Sridhar.
The Lok Satta Party promises to fight for providing quality education and healthcare to all and livelihood skills to the youth, and empowerment of people. It says that both the mainstream parties in Tamil Nadu are trying to turn voters into beggars with sops, instead of promising to help them stand on their own legs.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Let cricket victory inspire us in Telugu New Year: Dr. JP
Conveying his greetings and good wishes to all Telugu-speaking people on the eve of the Telugu New Year, Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan said nature’s fury, man’s folly, and social strife marked the year gone by. For any society to prosper there should be nature’s bounty, social harmony, economic opportunities for all, and a Government free from corruption and exploitation.
“Let us put an end to corruption, restore sanity to public life, preserve and promote unity in our society and create opportunities for all in the New Year.
“The triumph of Indian cricket after decades of wait demonstrates what we can accomplish if we work with unity, dedication and a sense of purpose. Our children ask us of no more and they deserve no less.
“We should build a strong and independent institution to fight corruption and mechanisms to empower people in the New Year.”
In this context, Dr. JP pointed out that the latest Census brought the happy tiding that population growth in Andhra Pradesh is one of the lowest, and the sad news that our literacy levels are among the lowest in the country.
“Let quality education, good health and livelihood skills be our mantras for lifting people out of poverty in the New Year.”
Friday, April 1, 2011
Probe into allotment of resources should be Comprehensive, demands Dr.JP
Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today demanded a comprehensive and in-depth investigation into all allocations of land and other natural resources since the days of economic liberalization beginning 1994-95 if there is prima facie evidence of harm to public interest.
Addressing a media conference, Dr. JP said the inquiry should not be targeted against any individuals or parties or limited to a certain period. The inquiry should not be turned into a political game to score points against opponents.
Dr. JP referred to main political parties subtly defending corruption by alleging their opponents were more corrupt and said that whoever indulged in corruption should be punished.
Dr. JP pleaded guilty to Mr. Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy’s charge that was given to plunging into waters without knowing their depth. He learnt only belatedly that most political parties survived only by looting hundreds of crores of rupees and spending it to buy votes in elections. Politics, according to him, meant service to people, eradication of poverty and ensuring a bright future for the youth. He did not want to be sucked into the vortex of corruption in which most parties find themselves.
Dr. JP said that Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy’s contention that groups, which remained silent as
along his father served as Chief Minister, had turned strident on corruption after his demise was valid. Political parties should explain their ambivalent attitude towards corruption.
Dr. JP said that political corruption should not be equated with corruption in the private sector. If a company evaded taxes or fudged accounts, the concerned losers like share holders and the Government would take action. Political corruption, in contrast, harmed every citizen.
Dr. JP wished that the country faced political instability warranting elections year after year and witnessed politicians renouncing politics unable to spend crores of rupees to get elected.
He appealed to youth to take the initiative for ending the present political crisis since it involved their future. There should be zero tolerance for corruption.
Replying to a question, he said that if there is prima facie evidence of the State Government colluding with Reliance in the allocation of blocks in the Krishna-Godavari basin, the Lok Satta would demand an inquiry. However, his information was that the Government of India allotted the blocks based on competitive bidding.
Replying to another question, he said the Lok Satta Party had published its income and expenditure on its website.
On the MLAs adopting a resolution sanctioning higher salaries for themselves, Dr. JP said it was not proper. Any hike in salaries should be based on the recommendations of an independent commission. In the U. S. only the prospective president would get the benefit of a hike in salary the incumbent President effects.