Politics is about people and not politicians: Dr.JP

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today reiterated the maxim that politics is too serious a business to be left alone to politicians and called upon people with integrity, leadership qualities, resources and concern for society to plunge into politics.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of Mrs. Kanthimathi Kannan, founder-President, The Right to Walk Foundation, joining the Lok Satta Party, Dr. JP said politics is about changing the lives of people not about the electoral fortunes of politicians. Mrs. Kanthimathi, Dr. JP said, is a true politician in that sense since she has devoted her time and energy to improve the lot of pedestrians, unfazed by discouragement from many quarters.

Dr. JP said that the Lok Satta Party has a comprehensive philosophical outlook unlike other political parties. It believes in reconciliation of conflicting interests, adopts a rational approach and offers solutions to problems and practices what it preaches in word and deed. What the LSP says today, the entire country will follow tomorrow, Dr. JP added.

Dr. JP said that honesty in politics is a minimum requirement but not the maximum qualification. One should, besides being honest, have the intellectual and moral capacity and courage to bring about transformation in society.

There is no need for cynicism since we have the resources and technology to realize our dream of building a better society.

The society cannot be transformed if people confine themselves to deriding politics and politicians. It is true that sometimes tussle for power and factionalism and other evils characterize politics. But that should not deter the finest men and women from playing a creative role in politics. Lincoln and Gandhi are great examples of leaders who while being part of contemporary politics, had risen above pettiness, and rebuilt their respective nations. That is what India needs today, Dr.JP said.

Mrs. Kanthimathi said that she would like to improve the living conditions of the poorest of the poor and brings smiles to their faces.

Lok Satta Party State President Katari Srinivasa Rao described Mrs. Kanthimathi as a warrior in the cause of pedestrians.

Mr. Bandaru Ramamohan Rao, Vice President, took part in the meeting.