Dr.JP's Letter to The President of India on AP Reorganization Bill

30th January, 2014

To

Shri Pranab Mukherjee
Honourable President of India
Rashtrapati Bhavan,
New Delhi – 110004


Esteemed Rashtrapati Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji,

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has, on January 30, 2014, adopted a resolution opposing the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill, 2013, reflecting the serious misgivings of the majority of the people of the State. Unfortunately, there is a surcharged atmosphere prevailing in all the three regions of the State. When primordial loyalties and atavistic fears are aroused, we have a crisis situation. It is vital that prolonged strife is avoided in the interests of the State and the Country.

While the desire of the people of Telangana region to have a separate State is manifestly evident, the procedure and process adopted for formation of the State suffer from grave defects:

1. The process of reorganization has not been initiated by the Andhra Pradesh Legislature and is contrary to the federal spirit of the Constitution. It also goes against past traditions, established precedents and practices. Several states have been formed after 1950 but this is the first occasion when a major state – one that was formed with the prior consent of the pre-existing States’ legislatures and through an explicit compact - is now sought to be divided without the consent of the State Legislature.
   

2. There has been no effort to arrive at a negotiated settlement among the elected representatives and stake-holders of the three regions – Rayalaseema, Telangana and Coastal Andhra.
   

3. The Bill does not address the consequences of partition, and does not contain measures to deal with the fiscal imbalances, developmental needs and resource constraints in the successor States.
   

About 60% of the State’s population, comprising the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions and a significant section of the population of Greater Hyderabad city have grave reservations about the Andhra Pradesh reorganization Bill.

Under these circumstances, it is vital that the interests of all the three regions of Andhra Pradesh are harmoniously reconciled. If Parliament now acts precipitately without addressing the legitimate concerns of the regions of Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra, it will lead to severe disaffection, tensions and disharmony that will weaken the sense of unity among the people of India. It is therefore imperative that the process does not lead to maladjustments at the inter-regional or inter-state and national level.

The most important challenge that needs to be addressed is the fiscal imbalances that residual Andhra Pradesh will face on account of losing the revenues of the Greater Hyderabad city. An analysis of the region-wise revenues and expenditure in 2012-13 shows that, Hyderabad city enjoyed a surplus of Rs. 12854 crore, while Telangana (excluding Hyderabad) and Rayalaseema regions had a deficit of Rs. 8407 crore and Rs 7005 crore respectively. As the Bill proposes Hyderabad to be a part of Telangana state, the surpluses of the capital city are more than adequate to cover the deficit of Telangana. However, the residual Andhra Pradesh will have serious fiscal imbalances and revenue deficit, largely because of the deficit in Rayalaseema region. There are only two practical solutions to address this fiscal challenge. Rayalaseema region could form part of Telangana State, and this will address the deficits of Rayalaseema from the surpluses of Hyderabad city. Alternatively, special institutional arrangements should be made to make up the revenue deficits attributable to Rayalaseema; by declaring it as a Special Category Region on par with Special Category States, specifically providing for special central grants to cover the revenue deficit.

A serious and concerted effort needs to be made to address the negative consequences of division of the State, and the legitimate concerns of residual Andhra Pradesh should be addressed in the law itself before it is introduced in Parliament. I therefore urge you to protect the interests of all Telugu people and the three regions of Andhra Pradesh before recommending the introduction of the Bill in Parliament. In particular, I urge you to kindly ensure that the following seven provisions are incorporated in the Bill:

1. The Rayalaseema region may be given recognition by law as a special category region, and the revenue deficits of the region are fully covered by central grants, and corporate income tax and excise duty exemptions are granted to Rayalaseema on par with the Special Category States.
   

2. The North Coastal region comprising the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam may be constituted into an autonomous regional council with adequate central grants and resources for economic development.
   

3. Ramayapatnam major port may be built as a central public sector undertaking to meet the infrastructural needs of Krishna delta region.
   

4. All permissions and clearances pertaining to Polavaram multi-purpose project may be deemed to have been obtained from successor States and the submerged areas are included in residual Andhra Pradesh.
   

5. All the on-going Krishna surplus water based projects in Telangana and Rayalaseema regions may be deemed to have been approved by successor states, so that they cannot be stalled on account of any objections in future.
   

6. Constitutionally viable arrangements may be made to facilitate Greater Hyderabad being the Common Capital for ten years, and legal measures are incorporated to ensure economic security, safety and full enjoyment of all constitutional rights for all citizens irrespective of place of birth.
   

7. In respect of the educational and infrastructural projects listed in the Bill in all three regions of Andhra Pradesh, irrevocable commitments, specific time limits of three to five years, mandatory central assistance, and expenditure to be incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India may be incorporated in the law.
   

As the President, you are not only the head of the Republic but also a part of the Parliament. Elected by members of both Houses of Parliament as well as members of the State Legislative Assemblies, you represent both our Union and the States. You are the custodian of the Constitution and federalism along with the Supreme Court.

We therefore urge you to take these and other steps as necessary for a comprehensive and acceptable resolution of the Andhra Pradesh crisis, and for future peace, harmony and prosperity of all the three regions of Andhra Pradesh.

I am enclosing a detailed note on the subject and suggested amendments to the Bill for your kind reference and consideration.


With warm personal regards,


Yours sincerely,



Jayaprakash Narayan
President, Lok Satta Party
MLA – Kukatpally Assembly Constituency (046)

మద్యం బాధిత పేద మహిళలతో ఫిబ్రవరి 1న లోక్ సత్తా పార్టీ సత్యాగ్రహ దీక్ష

Lok Satta organizing satyagraha by women victims of liquor

The Lok Satta Party is organizing a satyagraha by women victims of the liquor menace from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, February 1 at Picket Grounds beside Jubilee Bus Stand in Secunderabad. Lok Satta Party leaders including its national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan and State President Katari Srinivasa Rao will take part in the protest action.

This was announced at a media conference here today by Katari Srinivasa Rao.

A random survey conducted by Lok Satta volunteers revealed that 99 percent of men in nearly in 3000 bastis or slums in Hyderabad have become addicts by consuming liquor every day. With menfolk squandering away their daily income on liquor, women are forced to run the families by working as domestic helps. The liquor menace has left the poor families in deep debts and deprived children of good education and nutritious food. More shockingly, 30 percent of women in slums have become widows at a young age with their spouses dying of diseases triggered by liquor consumption. Some have died in accidents while some others have committed suicide. Thirty percent of widows drawing Government pension happen to be victims of their spouses’ liquor addiction.

The Lok Satta would deem all deaths caused by liquor consumption as murders committed by the Government since it is responsible for turning people addicts.

The Lok Satta demands that the Government open de-addiction centres in every constituency and treat the addicts as in-patients and wean them away from booze. All widows of liquor addicts should be paid a monthly pension of Rs.2000 and their children admitted to Government residential schools. The Government should ensure livelihood opportunities and provide security to all women victims of the liquor menace.

పార్లమెంటులో ప్రవేశపెట్టే ముందు ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ బిల్లుకి సవరణలు చేయాలని రాష్ట్రపతికి జేపీ లేఖ

Dr.JP wants President to get AP Bill amended before sending it to Parliament

Lok Satta Party national President and Member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan has urged President Pranab Mukherjee to ensure that the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill addresses the negative consequences of division of the State, and the legitimate concerns of residual Andhra Pradesh before recommending its introduction in Parliament.

In a letter addressed to the President on January 30, Dr. JP said that “if Parliament now acts precipitately without addressing the legitimate concerns of the regions of Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra, it will lead to severe disaffection, tensions and disharmony that will weaken the sense of unity among the people of India.”

Dr. JP said the rejection of the Bill by the Andhra Pradesh Assembly reflected the serious misgivings of a majority of the people of the State. Pointing out that there is a surcharged atmosphere prevailing in all the three regions of the State, Dr. JP said that “when primordial loyalties and atavistic fears are aroused, we have a crisis situation. It is vital that prolonged strife is avoided in the interests of the State and the country.”

Dr. JP told the President that as the custodian of the Constitution and federalism along with the Supreme Court, he should take all steps necessary for a comprehensive and acceptable resolution of the Andhra Pradesh crisis, and for future peace, harmony and prosperity of all the three regions of Andhra Pradesh.

In his three-page letter, Dr, JP said that “while the desire of the people of Telangana region to have a separate State is manifestly evident, the procedure and process adopted for formation of the State suffer from grave defects.” They are:

• The process of reorganization has not been initiated by the Andhra Pradesh Legislature and is contrary to the federal spirit of the Constitution. It also goes against past traditions, established precedents and practices. Several States have been formed after 1950 but this is the first occasion when a major State – one that was formed with the prior consent of the pre-existing States’ legislatures and through an explicit compact - is now sought to be divided without the consent of the State Legislature.

• There has been no effort to arrive at a negotiated settlement among the elected representatives and stake-holders of the three regions – Rayalaseema, Telangana and Coastal Andhra.

• The Bill does not address the consequences of partition, and does not contain measures to deal with the fiscal imbalances, developmental needs and resource constraints in the successor States.

In his letter, Dr, JP suggested incorporation of the following seven provisions in the Bill as part of a comprehensive and acceptable resolution of the Andhra Pradesh crisis:

1. The Rayalaseema region may be given recognition by law as a special category region, and the revenue deficits of the region are fully covered by Central grants. Corporate income tax and excise duty exemptions should be granted to Rayalaseema on par with the Special Category States.

2. The North Coastal region comprising the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam may be constituted into an autonomous regional council with adequate Central grants and resources for economic development.

3. Ramayapatnam major port may be built as a Central public sector undertaking to meet the infrastructural needs of Krishna delta region.

4. All permissions and clearances pertaining to Polavaram multi-purpose project may be deemed to have been obtained from successor States and the submerged areas are included in residual Andhra Pradesh.

5. All the on-going Krishna surplus water based projects in Telangana and Rayalaseema regions may be deemed to have been approved by successor States, so that they cannot be stalled on account of any objections in future.

6. Constitutionally viable arrangements may be made to facilitate Greater Hyderabad being the Common Capital for ten years, and legal measures are incorporated to ensure economic security, safety and full enjoyment of all Constitutional rights for all citizens irrespective of place of birth.

7. In respect of the educational and infrastructural projects listed in the Bill in all three regions of Andhra Pradesh, irrevocable commitments, specific time limits of three to five years, mandatory Central assistance, and expenditure to be incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India may be incorporated in the law.

Lok Satta Party's Amendments to AP Reorganization Bill

Notes on Amendments to AP Reorganization Bill

తెలంగాణ రావటం కేసీఆర్ కు ఇష్టం లేదు కాబట్టే సామరస్య పరిష్కారం చూపిన లోక్ సత్తా పై అబద్ధాలు

Katari rebuts KCR’s charge

Accusing Lok Satta Party national President and Kukatpally legislator Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, who unveiled a comprehensive and amicable solution to the State’s bifurcation, of being anti Telangana is nothing but playing vote bank politics, said State Lok Satta Party President Katari Srinivasa Rao here today.

Addressing a media conference, Mr. Srinivasa Rao pointed out that Dr. JP had even proposed a resolution in the Assembly incorporating the suggestions for addressing the concerns of Seemandhra people even as he underlined that formation of Telangana is necessary.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao was rebutting the allegation of TRS President K. Chandrasekhara Rao that the anti-Telangana Dr. JP had not sought anything for Seemandhra people. Anticipating a threat to its very existence, the TRS seems to be stalling Telangana formation under one pretext or the other. Spewing venom on Dr. JP and fuelling hatred among people seem to be part of its tactics.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that at a time Telangana is becoming a reality, those who have fought for it should display restraint and address the concerns of the other two regions. Instead, they continue to incite people and indulge in false and baseless allegations against leaders like Dr. JP.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao pointed out that unlike other parties which have been indulging in double-speak, the Lok Satta has always been consistent in its stand on Telangana.

Lok Satta Party leaders Allu Ramesh Reddy, Nandipet Ravinder, Jagannadh Reddy and Suneetha Choudary took part in the media meet.

Centre should make changes in T Bill: JP

Courtesy: The Hans India

కాంగ్రెస్, భాజపాలదే బాధ్యత

Courtesy: Eenadu

ఓటింగ్ తోనే అభిప్రాయం: జేపీ

Courtesy: Eenadu

నా జాతి కోసం నా పార్టీ నష్టపోయినా పర్లేదు

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

Lok Satta Times Jan 16th-31st, 2014

Lok Satta Times Jan 16th-31st, 2014 can be downloaded from the following.

http://www.loksatta.org/cms/documents/lstimes/lstimes-2014-01-16-31.pdf

ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ లోని మూడు ప్రాంతాల ప్రయోజనాలనూ కాపాడాలని రాష్ట్రపతిని కోరుతూ అసెంబ్లీలో తీర్మానం ప్రతిపాదించిన లోక్ సత్తా

Lok Satta wants President to safeguard interests of all regions in AP

Lok Satta Party national President and MLA Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan would like President Pranab Mukherjee to protect the interests of all Telugu people and the three regions of Andhra Pradesh before recommending introduction of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill in Parliament.

Lok Satta has sought the Speaker’s permission to move a resolution to this effect in the Assembly under Rule 77.

Lok Satta has listed a number of steps the President, as the custodian of the Constitution and federalism, should take for a comprehensive and harmonious resolution of the Andhra Pradesh crisis, and for future peace, harmony and prosperity of all the three regions of Andhra Pradesh.

The resolution proposed by Lok Satta says,

“This House expresses grave reservations about the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill, 2013 for the following reasons:

1. The process of reorganization has not been initiated by the Andhra Pradesh Legislature, and is contrary to the federal spirit of the Constitution, past traditions, and established precedents and practices.

2. There has been no effort to arrive at a negotiated settlement among the elected representatives of the three regions – Rayalaseema, Telangana and Coastal Andhra.

3. The Bill does not address the consequences of partition, and does not contain measures that will address the fiscal imbalances, developmental needs and resource constraints in the successor States.”

The resolution proposed by Lok Satta suggests that the following measures be incorporated in the Bill:

1. The Rayalaseema region may be given recognition by law as a special category region, and the revenue deficits of the region are fully covered by central grants. Corporate income tax and excise duty exemptions on par with those in the Special Category States shall be extended to Rayalaseema.

2. The North Coastal region comprising the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam may be constituted into an autonomous regional council with adequate Central grants and resources for economic development.

3. Ramayapatnam major port may be built as a Central public sector undertaking to meet the infrastructural needs of the Krishna delta region.

4. All permissions and clearances pertaining to Polavaram multi-purpose project may be deemed to have been obtained from successor States and the submerged areas are included in residual Andhra Pradesh.

5. All the on-going Krishna surplus water based projects in Telangana and Rayalaseema regions may be deemed to have been approved by successor states, so that they cannot be stalled on account of any objections in future.

6. Constitutionally viable arrangements may be made to facilitate Greater Hyderabad being the common capital for ten years, and legal measures are incorporated to ensure economic security, safety and full enjoyment of all constitutional rights for all citizens irrespective of place of birth.

7. In respect of the educational and infrastructural projects listed in the Bill in all three regions of Andhra Pradesh, irrevocable commitments, specific time limits of three to five years, mandatory Central assistance, and expenditure to be incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India may be incorporated in the law.
   

అన్ని స్థానాల్లో పోటీ చేస్తాం: జేపీ

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

పరిష్కారంలో లోక్ సత్తాదే కీలకమైన పాత్ర

భారత రిపబ్లిక్ లో తెలుగు ప్రజలు సముచిత స్థానం పొందాలి: జేపీ

Government must unblock party website: Lok Satta Party Chief

Lok Satta Party national president Jayaprakash Narayan today accused the government of blocking the party's website through which it has received around Rs 30 lakh from the Indians living abroad.

"The flow of legitimate funds from Indian citizens abroad has resulted in the government unlawfully and abruptly shutting off our donation channel (through party's website), even as it continues to turn a blind eye to the copious flow of black money to traditional parties," Narayan said.

Demanding that the government immediately redress this injustice, he said that Lok Satta Party supporters have begun looking for an alternate way to contribute and support the party.

During the last five days, more than 1,000 volunteers joined the Lok Satta Party, he said.

Referring to the AP Re-organisation Bill-2013 presently being debated in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, he said that his party would oppose the bill.

"We continue to oppose the Bill. This Bill imposed by the Central Government has completely ignored the consequences of bifurcation. Our stand has been consistent. We will support the Bill, if a comprehensive and amicable solution is worked out to protect the interests of all three regions of Andhra Pradesh", Narayan said.

Courtesy: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/29312934.cms

40శాతం ఓట్లు లక్ష్యంగా పనిచేద్దాం

ప్రజలు కోరుకుంటే సీఎం అవుతా

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

లోక్ సత్తా 'సమర' శంఖారావం

Courtesy: Eenadu

లోక్ సత్తా దూకుడు

Courtesy: Eenadu

2014 రాష్ట్ర అసెంబ్లీ ఎన్నికల వ్యూహాన్ని ప్రకటించిన లోక్ సత్తా పార్టీ

జనవరి 30లోగా మూడు ప్రాంతాలకూ న్యాయం చేసే ఏర్పాట్లు ప్రకటించే చర్యలు తీసుకోండి - కేంద్ర ప్రభుత్వానికి, బీజేపీకి జేపీ విజ్ఞప్తి

Lok Satta Party First List Candidates

S.No	Constituency	Candidate Name	Age	Qualification	Social Category	Contact Number
1	Kukatpally	Jaya Prakash Narayan	58	IAS	OC
2	Serilingampally	Katari Srinivas Rao	43	MCA	BC
3	L.B. Nagar	Dosapati Ramu	36	MBA	BC	9000998877
4	Sanath Nagar	Hyma Praveen	38	Masters From USA	OC	9010506789
5	Jublee hills	Bonthu Sambi Reddy	33	B.Tech	OC	9441051844
6	Musheerabad	Kongara Gangadhara Rao	55	MA.MED	OC	9346777568
7	Nampally	Kanthimathi Kannan	56	BSC MBA BED	OC	9394508384
8	Malkajgiri	Dilip Shanker Reddy	33	MBA	OC	9989105500
9	Yellareddy	Dr.Marri Ram Reddy	44	MD LLM	OC	9704733344
10	Siddipet	Thumanapally Srinivas	43	BA LLB	BC.B	9440845081
11	Khammam	P.Ravimaruth	55	PG MA	OC	9849114369
12	Vishaka North	Bhesetty Apparao Babji	48	Ma LLB	BC.D	9866017413
13	Kakinada	Y.D.Ramarao	58	Mcom	OC	9848080867
14	Pedana	Chennupati Vazeerr	60	BSC	OC	9848112244
15	Guntur West	J.Irammurthy	45	MA	BC	9440535034
16	Ongole	Allu Shiva Ramesh Reddy	38	MCA	OC	9949624599
17	Nellore	Narra Sridhar	42	B.Tech	OC	9848170423
18	Guduru	K.V Krishnaiah	47	BA	SC	9440528843
19	Thirupathi	M.Sidhaiah Nayudu	48	SSC	OC	9505563121
20	Nandyala	Dr.Shouri Reddy	62	MBBS	OC	7396893106
21	Rajender Nagar	Kotha Solkar Reddy	32	PG	OC	9030722068
22	Husnabad	Bollam Ravi	35	Degree	BC
23	Vishaka East	Naidu Venugopal Rao	45	BSC	OC	9666647889
24	Bhupalapally	Maheshwarapu Gattaiah	46	MA LLB	BC	9849020834
25	Sullurpeta	Venkateshwarlu Juvigunta	45	Degree	SC	9382115272

Loksatta Party Unveils Strategy for State Assembly Elections 2014

Becomes the first party to announce its first list of candidates; unveils SYC (Suggest your Candidate) drive

Party receives tremendous support with the call to action to join the party and donate funds by Dr. JP five days ago via https://win.loksatta.org

Dr. JP says time for people to lead the change

Loksatta party which recently announced its call to action to support the party has received tremendous response from all over the globe. The party has witnessed immense interest from the public to join the campaign and contribute funds.

In the last 5 days, more than a 1000 volunteers have already joined the party and around 30 lakhs have poured in from Indians across the globe via win.loksatta.org.

The tremendous flow of legitimate funds from Indian citizens abroad has resulted in the Government unlawfully and abruptly shutting the donation channel down with nary a notice, while continuing to turn a blind eye to the copious flow of black money to traditional parties. Supporters are looking for an alternate way to contribute and support the party. We demand this gross injustice be immediately redressed by the Government.

The party unveiled its strategy for the 2014 elections by declaring its first list of candidates and announcing a novel SYC (Suggest Your Candidate) drive.

SYC is a call to action for the public to suggest Loksatta candidates for their constituencies. A first of its kind in the country, this call to action cements Loksatta’s position as a party that is grounded in representative democracy. In contrast to other traditional parties that auction off tickets to the highest bidder, Loksatta truly walks the talk of a citizen centric democracy by offering voters the opportunity to participate in identifying potential candidates to represent them in the legislature.

Dr. JP said “Loksatta is largely responsible for forging change in Indian politics in the last decade. This is a defining moment in the politics of Andhra Pradesh. All Telugus are looking to Loksatta as the only messiah to rescue them from the ugliness and evil that pervades all political parties of the state today in an undifferentiated manner.”

Loksatta is proud to announce its first list of candidates, who not only possess honesty and integrity that are Loksatta's minimum qualifications but are particularly capable of being outstanding legislators who can propel the development of the state forward into a glorious future.

“We have the guts to announce the first list of stellar candidates. We challenge the other parties to do the same and match our candidates in quality, integrity and commitment. We challenge the Congress and its undifferentiated variants like YSRCP, TDP and TRS to put forth their candidates for public scrutiny and service” said Dr JP.

మన సినీ పరిశ్రమ, సమాజం ఒక ధృవ తారను కోల్పోయాయి: జేపీ

Movie industry has lost the Pole Star: Dr.JP

Our film industry and society have lost the Pole Star in the death of Akkineni Nageswara Rao, said Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today.

Dr. JP said, “Akkineni’s life and career spanned the most important phase in the evolution of our society. He wielded extraordinary influence in the world of arts and influenced three generations of Telugu people.

“Akkineni carried his fame and fortune with great ease, humility and rational approach to life. The values he espoused in both private life and public domain have been a source of inspiration to tens of millions of people.

“Akkineni’s life and work should be celebrated and not mourned. Despite serious terminal illness, he died as he lived, with dignity and equanimity.

“I join millions of admirers in paying a tribute to an extraordinary life,” said Dr.JP after a visit to Akkineni’s residence and conveying his condolences to the family members.

ప్రైవేటు బస్సులకు వ్యతిరేకంగా మళ్లీ ఆందోళన చేపడుతున్న లోక్ సత్తా

Lok Satta resuming agitation against private buses

The Lok Satta Party has decided to obstruct operations by Jabbar and Diwakar Travels beginning today as the Chief Minister has failed to fulfill his promise of adequate compensation to next of kin of Palem bus accident victims.

It may be recalled that 45 people were burnt to death in a ghastly accident at Palem in Mahabubnagar district more than two months ago.

In response to an agitation launched by the Lok Satta Party led by its national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan and State President Katari Srinivasa Rao, the Chief Minister promised the relatives of victims that justice would be rendered to them by January 20.

Lok Satta’s GHMC unit President Dosapati Ramu and State Yuva Satta President P. Shivaji said that they had refrained from direct action earlier considering that passengers would be put to trouble during the festive season. Now that the deadline set by the Chief Minister has expired, they will resume their direct action, they said.

The two leaders appealed to youth in particular and people in general to support Dr. JP’s formula for resolving the crisis over the State’s bifurcation. The State has already suffered immensely because of regional agitations on the bifurcation issue. The future of the youth will be in jeopardy if they allow the uncertainty to continue.

They pointed out that Dr. JP’s formula has been welcomed by people in all regions of the State. The youth have to exert pressure on people’s representatives and ensure that they endorse Dr. JP’s formula and restore peace in the State.

Lok Satta Times Jan 1st-15th, 2014

Lok Satta Times Jan 1st-15th, 2014 can be downloaded from the following link.

http://www.loksatta.org/cms/documents/lstimes/lstimes-2014-01-01-15.pdf

సమస్యను పెంచి పోషించినవారిని వదిలేసి పరిష్కారం చూపుతున్న లోక్ సత్తా మీదా ఆగ్రహం?: కటారి

లోక్ సత్తా ఫార్ములాకు అన్ని ప్రాంతాల్లో మొగ్గు, మద్దతు కూడగట్టేందుకు యువత కదలాలి: జేపీ

Mobilize support for Lok Satta’s AP formula, Dr.JP tells youth

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today called upon youth all over the State and industry organizations like CII and FICCI to mobilize support for getting Special Category status to Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh.

Dr. JP had pleaded for Special Category status to Rayalaseema as part of his comprehensive solution to the crisis in the State on formation of Telangana as a separate State.

Dr. JP said the proposals he outlined in the Assembly on January 18 during a discussion on the AP Reorganization Bill have received wide support from people all over the State.

He was addressing a meeting at the party headquarters on the occasion of NRI IT entrepreneur Mr. V. Srujith Kumar Gupta and IT professionals joining the Lok Satta Party.

Dr. JP pointed out that the Special Category status to Rayalaseema would attract huge investments as it entails exemption from excise and corporate income tax and provide employment to tens of thousands of youth. He underlined that he made the proposal keeping in mind the long-term interests of youth and not short-term political gains for the party.

Dr. JP called upon people to detest dynastic politics. Politics is a noble endeavour and not business. As business has many players and results in competition, people stand to gain in that they can have access to quality goods and services at competitive rates. In contrast, there is monopoly in Government. People stand to lose immensely if they elect people going by their dynastic credentials and not their merit or competence or integrity.

The 70 lakh youth in the State and 11 to 12 crore e in the country, who are going to vote for the first time in the 2014 elections should spurn dynastic politics, Dr. JP said. He pointed out that Mr. Katari Srinivasa Rao had been elected State President of the party in en election conducted by secret ballot although he was not related to him or belonged to his caste.

Dr. JP pointed out that thanks to the campaign launched by the Lok Satta for the last 18 years the people who once detested politics now deem exercising franchise as a matter of pride. Even today’s leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party which made a splash in Delhi Assembly elections had hated politics in 2011. He congratulated Mr. Srujit Kumar Gupta and his team on their determination to serve the country by joining politics.

Asked whether the emergence of AAP in Andhra Pradesh will result in a loss to the Lok Satta Party, Dr. JP said his party is not a company to be in business only if it makes profits. He said he would touch upon electoral alliances later. The Lok Satta will indulge in mature politics he said and added that it has been instrumental in ushering in many reforms although it enjoyed no power or publicity.

Mr. Katari Srinivasa Rao said that the formula outlined by Dr. JP in the Assembly has been hailed by people all over the State. He called upon all parties to halt their double speak on the Telangana issue and support Dr. JP’s formula to resolve the crisis in the State.

Mr. Srujit Kumar Gupta said he has joined the Lok Satta since it alone can fulfil people’s aspiration for a change in the nature of politics.

Lok Satta leaders D. V. V. S. Varma, Jagannatha Reddy and N. Ravinder took part in the meeting.

The Other Jayaprakash Narayan - The Lok Satta Party could be another nail in the coffin of the old political establishment

In Sidney Lumet’s cult film Network, newscaster Howard Beale galvanises America with his cry of “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” And soon he has the entire nation standing at their windows and chorusing his chant, “We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take this anymore!” That iconic scene seems to sum up the mood of India’s middle-class voting public today.

Yes, we’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take this anymore from the old breed of self-serving politicians, for whom we’ve developed a deep, deserving contempt. And it’s singularly fortunate for us that at this point in history we’ve had the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a channel to register our outrage. Yet, while one wishes AAP well, there are some questions about its larger abilities. It may have what it takes to throw out the politicians of the past, but does it really have what it takes to create the policies of the future?

A Citizen’s Movement

Amartya Sen has long talked about the need for a new political party that stands for a combination of economic liberalism, secular worldview and good governance (which brings to mind the old Swatantra Party, which was, alas, several years ahead of its times). One party that seems to come close to Sen’s prescription is the Lok Satta Party started by Jayaprakash Narayan, a former IAS officer, and now has a growing presence in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Writing about Lok Satta in India Works at Night, Gurcharan Das said: “In India among the 177 political parties, it is difficult to think of one that stands single-mindedly for good governance, reform and performance. The Lok Satta Party of Dr Jayaprakash Narayan might be one, but it has not met with any real electoral success so far.” That might have been so. But for the forthcoming 2014 elections, Lok Satta seems to be quietly mobilizing to make a greater impact in the southern states.

Started originally as a citizen’s movement in 1996, Lok Satta has been actively campaigning for governance and electoral reforms. In 2006 it eventually took on the avatar of a political party, born of the realization that in order to make any real impact, talented people needed to embrace politics and work from inside the system, not merely from the outside. There were many learnings in this, one of which came in the form of a physical assault on Narayan inside the Assembly by an enraged rival party — an assault he was mature enough to describe later as not an attack on himself, but an attack on democracy.

While the party’s manifesto for the 2014 elections has not yet been released, its agenda has always stressed on making the citizen the centre of governance, and reforming the government to make it more responsive to the people. Its agenda also stresses on combatting corruption and misgovernance through a rugged institutional framework, empowerment of local governments at all levels, insulating criminal investigation from partisan politics, the speedy and effective delivery of justice, and reforms to make elections truly transparent and democratic.

It is significant that Lok Satta is backed by a political think tank — the Foundation for Democratic Reform — which works on formulating reforms in the areas of governance, politics and electoral matters. It’s also significant that Narayan himself had earlier been a secretary to the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, and subsequently served on national bodies, including the National Advisory Council, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission and the Vigilance Advisory Council. No, these people are no babes in the political woods.

Optimistic Once Again

One frustration for Lok Satta has been the apathy of the citizenry and the belief that there’s nothing they can do to change the despised system. One of the party’s diktat, therefore, is that “the answer to bad politics is good politics, not no politics”. However, given the jolt of optimism that AAP’s performance has given the nation, this time the electorate will presumably be much more confident of making a difference, and use their votes accordingly. There is still the danger, however, that they might consider the old political parties, despite their accompanying slime, to be a safer bet than an untested young party. But, hopefully, Lok Satta’s experience and role in reforms like the Lokpal Bill and the RTI Act might help to diminish such a hesitation, if not dispel it altogether.

In 2009 the then fledgling Lok Satta fought the elections in Andhra Pradesh, and while it eventually won only one seat — Narayan is an MLA — party insiders claim they would have won a significant vote share, but were unlucky that filmstar Chiranjeevi’s newly launched PRP party thwarted that possibility. The party is now working on an ambitious programme to make an impact in the 2014 elections, at both the Lok Sabha and assembly levels. It is also, crucially, said to be in discussion with AAP to enter an understanding. If all goes well for Lok Satta in the elections, by June we could see another great visionary force — resembling AAP in its idealism — emerge on the Indian political scene. And if that happens, it will be another shove at the rotting edifice of the old political order. We can only wait and hope.

Courtesy: Economic Times

It's not a question of IF, but HOW

Courtesy: The Hans India

తెలంగాణ ఏర్పాటు అవసరం అనివార్యం

Courtesy: Eenadu

4 నెలల సమయం.. ఆదాయంలో 10% లోక్ సత్తాకు ఇవ్వండి

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

మూడు ప్రాంతాల్నీ గెలిపించే ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ సంక్షోభ పరిష్కారానికి జేపీ ఫార్ములా

Dr.JP unveils formula for resolving AP crisis

Lok Satta Party national President and Member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today unveiled a comprehensive solution that addresses the concerns of all the three regions in the State.

In his address to the Assembly on the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill and interaction with media personnel and party supporters later, Dr. JP expressed his unequivocal support for the formation of Telangana.

Dr. JP pointed out that Andhra Pradesh has lost a decade because of bickering over Telangana. “Enough is enough. We should not let others make us fight like cats and dogs. Years of strife and stress have cost the State dearly. We cannot have another decade of paralysis and decline.”

Dr. JP reiterated that the manner in which the Union Government sought to divide Andhra Pradesh is dictatorial and unilateral and that almost all parties have been guilty of exploiting the political crisis for narrow political gains, unmindful of people’s interests. Now, that Telangana formation is round the corner, it is necessary for all political parties to focus their energies on ensuring justice to all the three regions in the State.

Dr. JP’s comprehensive solution calls for addressing revenue deficits of Seemandhra and firm and time-bound commitments for Telangana development.

Dr. JP’s formula for Seemandhra development calls for making commitments to infrastructure mandatory, firm and charged to the Government of India, setting up of educational institutes (IIT/IIM/AIMS/IIIT/Tribal University) within a stipulated time frame and guaranteed commitment to Polavaram irrrigation project and Ramayapatnam port.

The formula seeks Special Category Status to Rayalaseema region which will be badly impacted in terms of revenue by the State’s bifurcation. While Hyderabad city had Rs.13,000 crore revenue surplus Rayalaseema had Rs.7,000 crore deficit (4 districts, 15 million population)during 2012-13. The proposed pay revision this year would take Rayalaseema’s deficit to Rs.9,000 crore. The region will not have enough revenue to pay even staff salaries.

The Special Category status will turn Rayalaseema into a tax haven in that there will be Central excise and corporate income tax exemptions. Although there are 11 Special Category States in India, there is none in the peninsular India. Being on the Chennai-Bangalore corridor, the resource-poor Rayalaseema can be the new Dubai attracting investments from all southern and western States. All Telugu-speaking people and the entire peninsular India will gain.

“But sadly no political party is remotely worried or concerned about these issues. As Lok Satta rightly believes, this is not the time for playing out political games for petty considerations. The only solution out of this mess created by the UPA at the Centre and all other political parties in the State who are only interested in their political gains, is significant focus towards development of both Seemandhra, including Rayalaseema, and Telangana. A big part of this can get solved by converting Rayalaseema from a deficit- ridden region into a land of opportunity,” said Dr. JP.

Dr. JP’s formula calls for firm and time-bound Central commitments for Telangana development.

Dr. JP said that the formula he has outlined will create a win-win situation for all the three regions of the State and facilitate their socio-economic growth.

Dr. JP said that the AP Bifurcation Bill carries provisions which are patently unconstitutional. Its provisions for residuary Andhra Pradesh are vague and non-binding. He would move amendments when the Assembly takes up clause-by-clause discussion.

Dr. JP underlined that a change in the boundaries of States should not undermine economic growth or adversely affect social intercourse among people of different regions. “States may be many, but Telugu people will remain as one”

A change in the State’s boundaries or the capital will not improve people’s lives unless core problems like the very nature of politics, centralization of power, corruption and poor service delivery are addressed.

The Lok Satta Party, he said, is ready to shoulder the responsibility of ushering in change and unveiling a new dawn in people’s lives if only they devote their time and resources for strengthening the party to face the upcoming elections.

విప్లవాత్మక మార్పులతోనే సాధ్యం

Courtesy: Eenadu

Lok Satta suggests slew of changes to anti-graft Bill

Courtesy: The Hans India

అవినీతి నిరోధక చట్టానికి సమూల మార్పుల్ని సూచించిన జేపీ బృందం

Dr.JP and team suggest radical changes in anti graft law

Lok Satta Party national President and Foundation for Democratic Reforms General Secretary Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan and nine other Lok Satta leaders today suggested far-reaching amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act with a view to eradicating all pervasive corruption.

The law should provide for time-bound justice and day-to-day trials, they told the Parliamentary Committee considering the Bill to amend the anti graft law in New Delhi today.

Dr. JP wanted the definition of corruption to be widened to include gross perversion of the Indian Constitution, abuse of authority to favour or harm others, obstruction of justice and squandering public resources even when no personal gain is involved.

Dr. JP suggested that a distinction be made between extortionary corruption and collusive corruption. In extortionary corruption, one has to pay a bribe to get what one is entitled to. In collusive corruption, both the giver and taker of bribes defraud the society as it happened in the allocation of coal mines and 2-G spectrum.

Dr. JP said that in collusive corruption, the burden of innocence should be shifted to the accused. The law should be amended to provide for a long prison term and confiscation of all assets of the guilty. In this connection, he cited how Rod Blagojevich, Governor of Illinois, was sentenced to a jail term of 14 years and stripped of Governor post when he sought campaign funds for nominating a successor to Barrack Obama in the U. S. Senate.

Dr. JP said that there should be stiff provisions for confiscation of property in line with the draft Bill in the Law Commission’s 166th report.

Dr. JP said that there should be automatic prosecution in cases of graft or disproportionate assets without any need for prior Government sanction. In other cases, the sanction of prosecution must vest with the Vigilance Commission or the officer of a rank of the Cabinet Secretary. Such a process would give no scope for political interference. If prosecution is not sanctioned within a specified time limit, sanction should be deemed to have been given.

Dr. JP opposed deletion of the section providing immunity to the bribe giver in the present Prevention of Corruption Act. If bribe givers are not protected, no one will come forward to file complaints and corruption will continue unabated.

Dr. JP wanted competitive bidding to be made mandatory for allocation of all natural resources. If the successful bidder makes abnormal profits because of market conditions, the Government should be empowered to levy a windfall profits tax as in Britain.

Will not allow usurping of govt lands, warns JP

Courtesy: The Hans India

ఆక్రమణలకు నిరసనగా జేపీ సత్యాగ్రహ దీక్ష

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

మరో విడత చర్చలతోనే!

Courtesy: Eenadu

లోక్ సత్తాపై అక్రమ కేసులను ఎత్తివేయాలి

Courtesy: Sakshi

మద్యం విక్రయాలతో మహిళలకు కష్టాలు

Courtesy: Eenadu

అవినీతి నిరోధక చట్టానికి సవరణలు తెలిపేందుకు 16న పార్లమెంటు కమిటీ ముందుకు జేపీ బృందం

Dr. JP to offer his suggestions on Anti Corruption Bill

Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, Lok Satta Party national President and Foundation for Democratic Reforms General Secretary, and a delegation of Lok Satta leaders will be presenting views on the Bill to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act to the Parliament Standing Committee in New Delhi on January 16.

Dr. JP will be accompanied by Lok Satta Party leaders from different parts of the country. They are: Messrs Siddharth Panwar and Hemant Chandak (Delhi), Rajesh Jogani and Bhavik Kothari (Maharashtra), Chitranshu Mathur (Karnataka), Udit Khanna (Mumbai), Shunmuga Anandam and Vignesh Nandha Kumar (Tamil Nadu) and Ms.Ankita Verma (Thane).

రాయలసీమకు ప్రత్యేక ప్రతిపత్తి

Courtesy: Eenadu

హైదరాబాద్ లో ప్రభుత్వ భూముల కబ్జాలకు వ్యతిరేకంగా 14న జేపీ మౌన సత్యాగ్రహ దీక్ష

Dr. JP to observe silent satyagraha to protest Govt. land grabbing

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan will be undertaking a silent satyagraha from 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, January 14, near Gokul Plots in Serilingampalli to protest against large-scale encroachment of Government lands in Greater Hyderabad.

The protest comes in the wake of Sunday’s institution of cases against Lok Satta Party leaders who demolished pillars raised by a private builder for erecting a gate across a public road opposite Gokul Plots in Serilingampalli.

Dr. JP is observing satyagraha on Pongal day which happens to be his birthday.

Giving this information at a media conference, Lok Satta Party leaders – Eeda Chennayya, Dosapati Ramu, P. Sivaji and Velaga Srinivas – pointed out that the Government and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation have remained silent spectators even as thousands of acres of land worth crores of rupees are being grabbed by land sharks. Instead of taking action against criminals, the authorities have arrested Lok Satta Party workers and instituted cases against the aggrieved.

The Lok Satta leaders said that the move to close the 60-foot-wide public road inconveniences nearly 15,000 people using it for decades. Their representations to police, revenue and municipal authorities against encroachment of public land since November 15 have gone unheeded. It was only as a last resort the Lok Satta activists demolished the pillars.

“We will not be intimidated by the arrests and fight until the encroachment is ended,” the Lok Satta leaders asserted.

The Lok Satta leaders recalled that the party has fought against encroachment of a park in Venkata Ramana Colony in Khairatabad, a slum at Syamalakunta in Sanathnagar and privatization of parts of Botanical Gardens.

Mrs. D. Saroja and Mr. Gorti Srinivas also took part in the media conference.

JP turns demolition man

Courtesy: The Hans India

అక్రమ నిర్మాణాలపై ఉక్కుపాదం: జేపీ

Courtesy: Andhra Jyothy

మద్యం మరణాలు ప్రభుత్వ హత్యలే

Courtesy: Eenadu

వ్యసనాల బారిన పడొద్దు

Courtesy: Eenadu