Lok Satta to encourage local leaders

The Lok Satta Party has decided to identify and encourage party activists with initiative, energy and leadership qualities as part of its bid to strengthen the nearly five-year-old organization.

Announcing this at a meeting of the party’s State Working Committee, party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan pointed out that in developed democratic societies, political parties earned people’s patronage on the strength of their ideas and their leaders’ integrity and commitment. However, in a country like India, people back parties and leaders who are ever accessible and helpful as they depend heavily on Governments even for leading their day-to-day lives.

Dr. JP conceded that traditional political parties have mastered the art of reaching out to people through encouraging local leaders. However, power has become an end for them. In contrast, the Lok Satta Party has the obligation to build local leadership, and enable it to serve the people with power as a means, and not an end.

Dr. JP said that the Lok Satta Party has to be organizationally strong if it has to survive the onslaught of traditional parties with money power. “A new generation of honest, young entrepreneurs is rising. These young people are eager to build a corruption-free and strong India. The Lok Satta Party is a natural platform for them.”

Dr. JP pointed out that the Lok Satta enjoys people’s good will in abundant measure. A large number of people are following the party like Ekalavyas, although they have little contact with leaders. Providing a platform to people who are thirsting for new politics and a new society is the historic responsibility of the Lok Satta, added Dr. JP. Despite temporary setbacks, the party will ultimately triumph because it stands for truth.

“We are fighting for the future of youth, farmers and women. These groups are the natural constituency, and standard-bearers of the Lok Satta. People are desperate to end corruption. The Lok Satta is their platform.”

The Working Committee adopted a road map for strengthening the party at all levels by setting itself targets concerning membership, training, constitution of local committees etc. up to December. It will focus its attention on 75 municipalities and 175 mandals in the first phase..

Mr. D. V. V. S. Varma, Working President, and other leaders took part in the meeting.