Saturday, March 29, 2014

Coverage of Lok Satta Party on 29th March 2014

Eenadu - కూకట్ పల్లిని ఎంతో అభివృద్ధి చేశా: జేపీ

Surya - ఎన్నికల ప్రచారానికి అడ్డంకులపై నిరసన

The Hindu - Lok Satta, CPI protest curbs on campaigning

The New Indian Express - Lok Satta, CPI protest curbs on campaign

Vaartha - కూకట్ పల్లి అభివృద్ధికి లోక్ సత్తా చేసింది ట్రాక్ రికార్డు కృషి

మార్చి 30న బోరబండలో 'ఈల సత్తా' బహిరంగ సభ - పాల్గొంటున్న జేపీ, కటారి, సిరివెన్నెల


Loksatta’s ‘Eelasatta’ in Borabanda on Mar. 30

As part of its campaigning for the 2014 general elections, the Loksatta Party is organizing a public meeting titled ‘Eelasatta’ in Jubilee Hills constituency on Sunday, March 30.

Loksatta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, State party President Katari Srinivasa Rao, party candidate for the Assembly election Bonthu Sambi Reddy and movie songs writer Srivennela Sitarama Sastry will take part in the meeting at Site 3 Weaker Section Junction in Borabanda at 5-00 p.m.

Party leaders and workers will undertake a padayatra from Krishnakant Park in Vengalrao Nagar at 4-00 p.m. to the meeting venue via Jawahar Nagar, Rahmat Nagar, Karmika Nagar and SPR Hills.

రెండు రాష్ట్రాల్లో యువత భవిష్యత్తును నాశనం చేసేలా రుణమాఫీల్ని ప్రకటిస్తున్నారు, జేపీ హెచ్చరిక




Loan waivers will disrupt economy, warns Dr.JP

Loksatta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today lashed out at political parties in both Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh for promising loan waivers in their bid to lure voters in the upcoming elections.

“Who has given them the right to squander away money collected from tax payers on loan waivers and disrupt the entire banking system and the economy,” Dr. JP asked at a media conference.

Dr. JP said the Loksatta Party would soon draw the attention of the RBI and the Election Commission of India to the irresponsible promises being made by political parties.

Dr. JP said that he could understand offer of incentives for prompt payment of loans but not loan waivers. Agriculture continues to be in a crisis although the Union Government had waived loans worth Rs.65000 crore just five years ago. Farmers could be helped by ensuring remunerative prices for their produce and facilities like warehouses and cold storages. Loksatta ensured good Price for paddy farmers by fighting against illegal trading restrictions, and for allowing exports. India today is the largest exporter of food grains, thanks to Loksatta’s struggle. that is the way to help farmers, not loan waivers.

Dr. JP said the most important challenge before the country is providing jobs to youth in the manufacturing sector. While China created 20-25 crore jobs, half of them in the manufacturing sector, in the last two decades, India even today has just 80 lakh workers in the entire manufacturing sector. India has to create nearly a crore of jobs every year in the manufacturing sector for the next 10 years keeping in mind that nearly 1.5 crore people of working age are joining the ranks every year. With China gradually exiting from low-end manufacturing because of ageing population and increase in wages, India can grab the opportunity and become the next workshop of the world. If India fails to do so, it will slip into middle ages with unrest and anarchy breaking out.

India has lost a decade of opportunities because of the UPA Government’s failure to provide the necessary infrastructure and clearances for manufacturing to thrive and provide jobs to youth. As of today, projects worth Rs.10 lakh crore remain stalled.

Dr. JP pointed out that both Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh need huge investments, which come by way of equity and bank loans. The Reserve Bank of India would clamp down on bank loans if State Governments persist with loan waivers.

Dr. JP said the Loksatta has decided to join hands with the BJP because its Prime Ministerial candidate has laid emphasis on economic development, provision of jobs for youth and good governance. He would appeal to other parties in the two States too to focus on ensuring a bright future for youth and desist from perpetuating politics of dynasty and corruption.

The Loksatta Party is prepared to enter into electoral alliances with other parties interested in promoting national interests. He underlined the importance of arriving at such adjustments soon as time is running out.

Earlier, Dr. JP unveiled an Android application for smart phones to enable people learn about the Loksatta Party and its policies, work as volunteers or donate funds online to the party. He said that the Loksatta Party is the first political party in the country to use the latest technology to attract young people as voters,, volunteers and interns for the party. As many as 14000 youth have come forward to work as volunteers for the party in the coming elections.

Mr. Dosapati Ramu, the Loksatta candidate from LB Nagar and Mrs. Hyma Praveen, the party candidate from Sanatanagar Assembly constituencies, said that thousands of youth are joining the Loksatta Party as they believe it alone can fulfill their aspirations.

Mr. Chandu Pasumarthi, who led the team that developed the App for the Loksatta Party, said the application would appeal to youth as smart phones have become ubiquitous.

Loksatta Party leader D. V. V. S. Varma took part in the media conference.

Friday, March 28, 2014

ఎన్నికల ప్రచారానికి అడ్డంకులపై లోక్ సత్తా, సీపీఐ నిరసన - సీఈసీని కలవనున్న అఖిలపక్షం


Loksatta, CPI protest curbs on campaigning

The Loksatta Party and the CPI today charged election officials at the constituency level with creating hurdles in legitimate political campaigning by strangely interpreting the model code of conduct.

They are planning to lead an all-party delegation to the Chief Electoral Officer tomorrow to request him to remove all such unwarranted hurdles.

Addressing a meeting held at the Loksatta Party headquarters, State party President Katari Srinivasa Rao pointed out that traditional parties have been deploying money and liquor on a large scale, even according to official data. Liquor sales, which doubled in February compared to January, are expected to treble in March. Money is being transferred online. Against such a backdrop, parties which undertake campaigning without distributing money and liquor are subjected to severe hardship because of restrictions. Constituency-level officials are removing authorized hoardings, posters and party flags and seizing vehicles. They are asked to take approval from the District Maintenance Cell for even posters and hoardings. Parties have to go round three or four police stations for using microphones and vehicles.

CPI State Secretary K. Ramakrishna recalled that the Central Election Commissioner himself has disclosed that one Lok Sabha candidate is prepared to spend Rs.100 crore and another Rs.35 crore and added that instead of preventing distribution of money and liquor, officials are obstructing legitimate campaigning.

కూకట్ పల్లి అభివృద్ధిపై.. అబద్ధాలు ప్రచారం చేసే వారికి... లోక్ సత్తా పార్టీ ఛాలెంజ్





కూకట్ పల్లి అభివృద్ధికి లోక్ సత్తా చేసింది 'ట్రాక్' రికార్డుస్థాయి కృషి - అంకెల్ని, వివరాల్ని విడుదల చేసిన జేపీ



Fund Utilization under Constituency Development Programme in Kukatpally Constituency

Fund Utilization under Constitunecy Development Programme in Kukatpally Constituency
GHMC HMWSSV
Year No.Of Works Sanctioned Disbursed Status No.of Works Sanctioned Disbursed Status
2010-11 5 49.51 100% Completed 13 50.1 100% Completed
2011-12 7 74.21 100% Completed 31* 72.31 100% Completed
2012-13 5 49.51 25% Completed

3 community halls pending due to site disputes

13 49.75 100% Completed
2013-14 5 47.75 Roads, Culvert Drains and Community Halls To be started 23* 116.7 60% 50% Completed, 50% is in various stages of implementation
2013-14 12 38 Administrative Sanction Received
Total (Lacs) 220.98 326.86 547.84
Note: * 50% matching grants from HMWSSB
Rs.3.45 cr works completed. Balance is work in progress

Development in Kukatpally Unparalleled: Dr. JP

Kukatpally legislator and Loksatta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan has taken serious exception to a section of the press alleging that he has spent only 20 percent of the funds allotted to him under the Constituency Development Fund.

In a media statement issued here today, Dr. JP pointed out that he spent more than he had been allocated by getting a matching grant from the Hyderabad Metro Water and Sewerage Board. Most of the works for which he earmarked funds have been completed and the rest are in various stages of implementation. He wanted media to ascertain facts before rushing to publish reports that fuel hatred against politics.

Dr. JP explained that he was instrumental in getting Rs.1573 crore allotted towards various development works in Kukatpally. Of them, works worth R.956 crore have been completed or in final stages of implementation. In addition, Rs.656 crore will be spent on construction of a flyover at Narsapur Junction and a 220 kv sub-station and Rs.56 crore on a water supply pipeline. Seventy-four additional class-rooms have been constructed and girls’ toilets provided in all schools with adequate space.

Dr. JP recalled he has visited the constituency more than 400 times and ensured that development works are executed transparently. He has taken measures to prevent encroachments and protect lakes. He has the satisfaction of making people, irrespective of their party affiliations, partners in Kukatpally development.

Dr. JP said that he had got Rs.5.47 crore allocated towards works under the Constituency Development Fund although he had been allotted only Rs.3 crore before the election code came into effect. The allocations included Rs.220.98 lakh towards works under GHMC and Rs.326.86 lakh under Hyderabad Metro Water. Of them, works worth Rs.3.45 crore have been completed and the others are under various stages of execution. Instead, news reports dealt only with community halls which have been stalled because of land acquisition problems.

Dr. JP recalled that when he took over as legislator, Kukatpally received 80 lakh gallons of drinking water per day. Thanks to his efforts, it has gone up to 1.80 crore gallons per day, an increase of 125 percent. He got ration cards issued to 34,000 families. He enabled nearly 4000 people to get job placements after helping them get training in skills. Sanitary workers now get their wages credited directly into their bank accounts, again because of his initiative. With the GHMC extending online payment all over the city, nearly 30000 workers have been liberated from exploitation by contractors.

He got drain water treatment plants installed at Kaitalapur and Ranganayakuni tanks and got a modern dumping yard for garbage. An amount of Rs.31.71 crore has been spent on construction and maintenance of an underground drainage system and 108 works taken up to de-silt storm water drains. To ease traffic on the main road, link roads have been developed. BT roads have been laid at a cost of Rs.19.88 crore and CC roads at a cost of Rs.31.82 crore. Parks have been developed at Vasantnagar, Motinagar and Prashantnagar. Other development works taken up can be accessed on the website www.kukatpallynow.com

Dr. JP underlined that although the Loksatta has been elected only from Kukatpally, it has earned distinction by developing the constituency in an unparalleled manner. It has provided growth opportunities to all irrespective of their caste, region, region, language and economic status. It has succeeded in enhancing the prestige of the Assembly.

The Loksatta’s track record is there for everyone to see in Kukatpally, Dr. JP said and added that given an opportunity it can replicate the development model all over the State. People who in general thought that a vote for the Loksatta would go waste elected only one from the party to the Assembly. Kukatpally demonstrates that Loksatta politics will ensure a bright future for all.

Coverage of Lok Satta Party on 27th and 28th March 2014

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Coverage of Lok Satta Party on 25th and 26th March 2014

2014-03-25

KrishnaPatrika - గాడిదలకు ఓటేయకండి: జేపీ

KrishnaPatrika - మహిళలు అన్ని రంగాలలో రాణించాలి

2014-03-26

Andhrajyothy - బీజేపీ ఆశయాలు చూసే పొత్తుకు సిద్ధమయ్యాం: జేపీ

Eenadu - పొత్తులపై తెదేపాతో సంప్రదింపులు

Indian Express - JP Flays KCR on 'Dynastic' Politics

MetroIndia - Demolish dynastic politics

Sakshi - కమ్యూనిస్టులతో ఆర్థికాభివృద్ధి అసాధ్యం: జేపీ

Surya - యువతరం నుంచే మార్పు రావాలి

The Hans India - Political parties have become fiefdoms of families, which is not a correct trend. Some of the politicians are justifying their acts

The Hans India - JP lambasts TRS chief for justifying dynastic politics

The Hindu - JP decries family rule

The Hindu - Family rule: JP assails KCR

Vaartha - వారసత్వ రాజకీయాలను కసిగా ఓడించండి

Visalandhra - కుటుంబ సామ్రాజ్యాలే

ఎన్నికలలో టికెట్లివ్వాలని జేపీని కలిసిన బ్రాహ్మణ సమాఖ్య ప్రతినిధులు


Brahmins seek Lok Satta tickets

Representatives of the Federation of Brahmin Associations have requested Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan to give due representation to Brahmins in selection of candidates for contesting the upcoming general elections.

The representatives, led by federation Convener Dornala Krishna Murthy, pointed out that Brahmins who contributed to good governance with their talent and erudition for centuries have lost their importance these days for various reasons. Since there cannot be genuine democracy without Brahmins’ participation in the political system, due representation should be given to them for contesting elections.

Responding to their plea for grant of party tickets to contest for MLA and MP seats, Dr. JP said the Lok Satta is committed to the growth of all sections and it is not anybody’s property. The party will provide due representation to all leaders with commitment and competence.

Lok Satta Party leaders Bandaru Ramamohan Rao and Mrs. Gita Murty took part in the meeting at the party headquarters.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

వారసత్వ రాజకీయాలను కసిగా ఓడించండి - యువతకు జేపీ పిలుపు




Demolish dynastic politics, Dr.JP exhorts youth

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash today lashed out TRS President K. Chandrasekhara Rao for unabashedly justifying dynastic politics. The Constitution, democracy and elections become meaningless if family rule is deemed as a birth right, Dr. JP fumed at a media conference.

Dr. JP called upon every father and mother and young boy and girl to reject with a vengeance those who seem to claim they have a divinely-ordained right to rule. Otherwise, they continue to be palanquin bearers of the ruling elite only.

Dr. JP said the malaise is not confined to Andhra Pradesh. As many as 167 members of the outgoing Lok Sabha owe their position to their political lineage.

Dr. JP said it is strange that when there are millions of youth with integrity, leadership qualities and passion to serve the country, politicians are trying to project their sons or daughters and brothers-in-law or sisters-in-law as their successors in politics

The other malady afflicting the Indian political scene is parties encouraging only those who have amassed billions of rupees either legally or illegally and who are prepared to buy their way into legislatures. The culture is spreading because political parties have become utterly selfish and arrogant and look down upon ordinary voters with contempt.

Dr. JP called upon political party members, people in general and youth in particular to fight such tendencies. People have already begun to hate political parties and politicians. If the rot is not arrested, anarchy will break out, he warned.

Dr. JP in this context referred to irregularities in the entrance examination for post-graduate medical admissions and demanded that the guilty be swiftly identified, jailed and their properties confiscated. There should be a fresh entrance examination if those who did not manipulate the ranks through malpractices cannot be declared passed. In the absence of sure and swift punishment, people will lose faith in all institutions holding examinations either for Government jobs or seats in educational institutions.

Dr. JP confirmed the Lok Satta party in is touch with the BJP and the TDP on electoral adjustments in the upcoming general elections. Asked how he could support a ‘divisive’ party like the BJP or join hands with the TDP which too is encouraging dynastic politics, Dr. JP said he had gone through a cruel dilemma before arriving at the decision. The country’s need of the hour is economic development, job creation and good governance. As the Lok Satta Party is not in a position to contest all the seats now for reasons beyond its control, it has to win at least a few seats to make its voice felt in national interest by aligning with those who are committed to development. The Lok Satta will walk out if any party pursues divisive politics. He welcomed movie star Pawan Kalyan entering politics to serve the nation. He said the Lok Satta could not envisage adjustments with Leftist parties which believe in Luddite politics.

Dr. JP utilized the occasion to drive home the point that he is instrumental in the launching of development works worth Rs.1573 crore in Kukatpally constituency, which he represents in the Assembly. While works worth Rs.956 crore have already been completed or in final stages, works worth Rs.617 crore are under way. He has helped improve drinking water supply in the constituency from 80 lakh gallons to 180 lakh gallons per day – an improvement of 125 percent which is not witnessed anywhere in the State.

Dr. JP said he had got works worth Rs.3.17 crore sanctioned/executed against the Rs.3 crore he had received as Constituency Development Fund in the last three years. Works costing Rs.1 crore, released recently for 2013-14, are being taken up now.

Lok Satta Party leaders Katari Srinivasa Rao, D. V. V. S. Varma, Bandaru Ramamohan Rao and Y. D. Rama Rao took part in the media conference.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Who’ll Dress The Wounds?

The debate generated by Aamir Khan’s Satyameva Jayate episode on medical care gives us a chance to take a hard look at where we are, and take remedial measures. We must first recognise that there are countless doctors, nurses and paramedics who are doing a fantastic job in difficult circumstances. Tens of thousands of family physicians and small-town doctors work 80-hour weeks, are available round-the-clock, provide a variety of services at a nominal cost. It is these clinicians and paramedics who have provided care to the needy when the state failed miserably.

But serious problems exist, and they keep getting worse. Greed and corruption are spreading, undermining patients’ trust in doctors. In the medical profession, more than anywhere else, trust is a vital element. When public trust is eroded, both people and doctors suffer. The failure of the government in creating the minimum infrastructure to deliver services of acceptable quality and the failure of primary and preventive care has shifted the burden to the private sector. At the root of this crisis is a monumental political failure.

With daily advances in technology, the cost of healthcare is rising faster than the GDP. Each of us wants the best, and “the best” costs a lot. And most of it is needless. A tertiary care corporate hospital tends to be over-capitalised. There are three big costs— physical infrastructure and amenities comparable to a 5-star hotel; extremely expensive, state-of-the-art equipment; and high cost, highly skilled specialists and professionals. Once billing and revenue become critical for bottomlines, patient-care becomes secondary. Malpractices for referrals and diagnostics and over-billing and needless procedures become endemic when high-cost tertiary care dominates over family practice.

There is also a failure to recognise the limits of modern medicine. There are limits. Doctors are not gods. There are many conditions in which the doctor can at best be supportive; and one day all of us have to meet our maker. The great physician William Osler said, “I only dress the wounds; nature heals.” Today, in a hedonistic world, we have lost this sense of humility—we want endless, healthy lives and doctors dare not, or choose not to, tell us there are limits. Many costly interventions are futile and only bankrupt us.

Of course, a parent desperate to save the life of her child cannot fight as a consumer. There is an inherent asymmetry of power between the doctor and the patient. And the cost of failure in medicine is horrendous—life, limb, pain and misery. Therefore, professional regulation is especially important in medicine. Elsewhere, self-regulation did work. Doctors acted with enlightened self-interest and punished the black sheep. That ensured trust between society and the profession. In India, given our poverty and weak citizenry, professional bodies became more like trade unions, protecting their own, rather than defending society from errant colleagues. The net result is all-round mistrust, and great damage to both doctors and people.

I have seen a Dalit woman who, for a caesarean for breach delivery, had to borrow Rs 11,000 (a fair cost for a complicated delivery and surgery) at 15 per cent interest per month, and had to pay Rs 1,650 a month as interest! The private doctor who operated on her in the dead of night was her saviour. He was not the villain. The appaling public health system which could not help her without having to pay is the real culprit. We need to mend it, and build a first-rate system similar to the National Health Service built by Britain in 1948. In the aftermath of war, Britain had neither resources nor technology like we have today. But leaders like Aneurin Bevan had compassion, ability and vision. Can we summon them in today’s India? That is the challenge of our generation.

By Dr.Jayaprakash Narayan

Courtesy: Outlook India

Our strategy will further good politics

Die-hard loyalists of Lok Satta Party are still coming to terms with the decision of its national party president Jayaprakash Narayan to consider strategic alliances and tactical adjustments with other parties, particularly the BJP.

But then, they are also aware that the bureaucrat-turned-politician will not take such a radical decision unless he has thought it through and convinced that it could be the faster route to achieve the party’s agenda -- of good governance, citizen’s empowerment, healthcare and employment without compromising on party’s core values.

Dr. Narayan tries to clear the misgivings in a free-wheeling interview to The Hindu.

Why this decision to consider alliance with traditional parties when Lok Satta’s objective is to transform politics ?

Lok Satta never ever said politics or all politicians are bad. There is no single villain in the present political system. Not only Lok Satta, if any ethical party says it won’t work with anyone until people repose full faith in it, then you have made yourself irrelevant. While public esteem for Lok Satta is high in the State, the perception that it might not be in a winning position has resulted in a huge gulf between our support base and votes. Once electoral success is assured, many capable leaders will be ready and willing to take the responsibility of playing a catalytic role for change at the constituency level.

What is the basis for considering an alliance with other political parties?

Given the plurality of India and compulsions of electoral system, Lok Satta believes if reasonable standards are met in terms of political behaviour, we should work with other parties to further a common agenda - democratic reforms, public participation in politics, improvements in quality of life and governance.

Why did Lok Satta prefer an alliance with BJP ?

Our first choice was Aam Admi Party but being wedded to a monopolistic regime, it spurned our suggestion. Then Lok Satta had to make a choice between the Congress and the BJP based on four yardsticks -- pursuit of dynasty politics, dependence on money power, belief in freebie culture and promotion of sectarianism. Congress flunks miserably on all measures but the BJP passes the muster on the first and third measures and to a lesser degree on the second.

But BJP comes with the baggage of being perceived as communal...

Divisive and vote bank-based politics exploit caste, region, religion and language. We should recognise that caste and region are as pernicious as religion in dividing people.

How will you deal with it if this alliance undermines Lok Satta’s credibility?

Any alliance will be on our terms. We will not act desperate but we do reserve the right to negotiate. If an alliance partner advocates communal and hate politics, we will walk away and won’t look back.

What difference will this alliance make to the State?

Lok Satta unveiled a clear-cut agenda with focus on eradication of corruption, per capita grants to villages and wards in towns, provision of quality education, health care, remunerative price to farmers, 24-hour power supply. Our strengths are we articulate our goals well and pursue them in a systematic and steadfast manner.

Is an alliance on cards with Telugu Desam?

We will enter into alliances with local parties which are prepared to abide by our agenda. It is not possible to align with parties steeped in corruption and those responsible for the crisis in the State.

Courtesy: The Hindu

Coverage of Lok Satta Party on 23rd and 24th March 2014

2014-03-24

Andhrajyothy - రెండు రాష్ట్రాల మౌళిక వసతుల కోసమే పొత్తులు

Eenadu - కొంత కష్టమైనా.. పొత్తులకు సిద్ధం: జేపీ

Eenadu - Lok Satta Party Meeting and Rally Photos

MetroIndia - Lok Satta kicks off campaign in L B Nagar

PrajaSakthi - వారసత్వ రాజకీయాలకు చరమగీతం

Sakshi - ధన రాజకీయాలను మార్చాలి: జేపీ

TheHansIndia - Lok Satta kicks off election campaign

Vaartha - టీడీపీ, బీజేపీ, జనసేనలతో కలిసి పొత్తుకు లోక్ సత్తా ఆసక్తి

2014-03-23

Andhrajyothy - బీజేపీ, టీడీపీ, లోక్ సత్తా, జనసేన.. నాలుగు కలిసే ఎన్నికలకు: జేపీ

Andhrajyothy - బీజేపీ మతతత్వ పార్టీ కాదు

Eenadu - ఆర్వోలపై ఈసీకి లోక్ సత్తా ఫిర్యాదు

PrajaSakthi - ఎన్నికల ప్రచారానికి అవరోధాలు కల్పించకుండా ఆర్వోలకు ఆదేశాలివ్వాలి: లోక్ సత్తా

Sakshi - బీజేపీ, టీడీపీతో పొత్తులుంటాయి: జేపీ

Friday, March 21, 2014

Coverage of Lok Satta Party on 21st March 2014

Andhrajyothy - కమలంతో కలిసి ఈల వేద్దాం

Eenadu - అవినీతికి సమాధి.. ప్రజాభ్యున్నతికి పునాది..

MetroIndia - Lok Satta unveils roadmap for two States

NamastheTelangana - 14 అంశాలతో లోక్ సత్తా మ్యానిఫెస్టో

PrajaSakthi - అవినీతి నిర్మూలనే లోక్ సత్తా ధ్యేయం

Sakshi - మల్కాజ్ గిరి నుంచి పోటీ చేస్తా: జేపీ

Sakshi - మాది జనం మేనిఫెస్టో: లోక్ సత్తా

TheHansIndia - LSP vows to wipe our corruption

TheHansIndia - Lok Satta promises bright future for people

TheHindu - LSP promises 'dignified life'

Vaartha - రెండు రాష్ట్రాల్లో రాజకీయాల్ని సరైన దారిలో పెట్టాలి

రాష్ట్ర, దేశ ప్రయోజనాల దృష్ట్యా పొత్తులకు లోక్ సత్తా సానుకూలం: జేపీ బహిరంగ లేఖ









Lok Satta is open to alliances in national interest: Dr.JP

The Lok Satta Party is ready to consider “strategic alliances and tactical adjustments” with other parties without compromising on its core values. It rules out the Congress but names the Bharatiya Janata Party specifically as a potential partner.

Lok Satta’s own experience in Andhra Pradesh since its inception in 2006 and national imperatives call for such a strategy at the present juncture, its founder and national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan tells his party members in an open letter.

In the letter released to media today, Dr. JP dwells on the party’s performance in Andhra Pradesh and the lessons to be learnt from it.

“While public esteem for the Loksatta is very high in Andhra Pradesh, the perception that it might not be in a winning position is preventing support into votes; and votes from converting into seats. This is the primary reason for Loksatta's lack of electoral success. The best example is the relative performance of the MIM versus the Loksatta in Hyderabad city in the 2009 elections. While the total number of votes polled for MIM is roughly the same as that of Loksatta in the city, its votes translated into seven Assembly seats while the Loksatta managed to win only in one constituency.”

“Once a party voluntarily eschews money power, freebies and sectarian politics, the road to electoral success is thorny and steep. This is compounded by an electoral system that is hostile to new parties and honest ways and a hostile climate of primordial loyalties and caste equations.”

Against such a backdrop, “it is excruciatingly difficult to translate in the short-term our support base into a legislative mandate. A people plagued by the fear of wasted vote and potential leaders immobilized by the perception of winnability self-fulfil their prophecy”.

“In the interim, we should evolve strategies to persuade those voters who agree with us, but are voting for other parties because of fear of ‘wasted’ vote. And we need to trade our moderate, widespread voting base for concentrated pockets of voting that will give us legislative presence. Once electoral success is assured, many capable leaders, who can inspire confidence in voters, will be ready and willing to take the responsibility of playing a catalytic role for change at the constituency level.”

“It is this logic, backed by evidence that compels us to seriously consider strategic alliances and tactical adjustments without compromising our core values.”

Dr. JP says that for the Lok Satta wedded to all-round reforms and alleviating dire and soul crunching poverty, rampant exploitation and denial of human rights and creating opportunities for education, healthcare and employment, there is no alternative to working with others. There are no easy answers or quick fixes to our political and governance crisis.

“It is this recognition that led to the Loksatta working with both the NDA and the UPA over the years. It has never treated politicians and parties as untouchables. This political engagement drove the reform agenda of the country for over 15 years.”

Dr. JP recounts that the Lok Satta is largely instrumental in ushering in a number of electoral reforms. They include disclosure of candidates’ criminal antecedents, improvement in voter registration, political funding law, strengthening the anti-defection provisions and limiting the size of the Cabinet. It is again largely responsible for the Right to Information Act, and laws relating to constitution of the Lokpal, local courts and ensuring autonomy for cooperatives. Lok Satta’s proposals for laws on judicial standards and accountability, National Judicial Appointments Commission and service guarantee for citizens are in the pipeline.

Dr. JP points out that the Loksatta has amply demonstrated its capacity to provide intellectual leadership and work with all major political parties in proposing a win-win solution for all sides on the divisive issue of Telangana. “Indeed, the road map proposed by the Loksatta formed the sole basis for the amendments to the AP reorganization bill and was supported by both the Congress and the BJP.”

“Given the plurality of India and the compulsions of its electoral system, Loksatta has always believed that if reasonable standards are met in terms of political behaviour we should work with other parties to further a common agenda, viz, democratic reforms, public participation in politics and government, and improvements to quality of life and governance.”

Dr. JP recalls that the Lok Satta extended a hand to AAP as its first choice but it, being wedded to a monopolistic regime, spurned it.

Against such a backdrop, the Loksatta has to make a choice between the Congress and the BJP , the two middle- of-the-road parties based on four yardsticks -- pursuit of dynastic politics, dependence on money power, belief in freebie culture and promotion of sectarianism.

Dr. JP says, “While the Congress flunks miserably on all measures, the BJP passes muster on the first and third measure and to a lesser degree on the second.”

Referring to sectarianism, Dr. JP says that divisive and vote bank based politics exploit regressive social cleavages like caste, region, religion and language. “We should recognize that caste and region are as pernicious as religion in dividing people.”

Dr. JP argues, ”Our bounden duty as a political party is to moderate the extremes and enrich the agenda for growth and development. When a major party is actually departing from its sectarian and divisive communal agenda and changing its trajectory in making economic development as the vehicle in this election, the time is ripe to help deliver our vision for the country.”

“Any alliance will be on our terms, or not at all. We will not act desperate but we do reserve the right to negotiate….Indeed, if an alliance partner advocates politics of sectarianism and hatred, we will walk away and won't look back. We reserve the right to judge them on the basis of conduct and hold them accountable.”

“We have to decide on electoral alliances in the two States after deeply pondering over the future of Telugu people . It is not possible to align with parties steeped in corruption and those which are responsible for the crisis in the State. The Loksatta has unveiled a clear-cut agenda with focus on eradication of corruption, per capita grants to villages and wards in towns, provision of quality education and health care, measures to go to the aid of unorganized workers, ensuring remunerative price to the farmers, round-the-clock power supply, creation of livelihood opportunities in the manufacturing sector, women’s safety, restriction of liquor, allocation of resources for basic infrastructure in Hyderabad. We should be prepared to enter into alliances with local parties which are prepared to abide by our agenda.”

He recalls that even Gandhi collaborated with the Ali brothers and their Khilafat movement. “Is he judged by that radical dalliance or by the freedom he helped win? We live in a society, not Utopia. We are a work-in-progress nation at best and cannot afford zero sum games.”

“The Loksatta's call to action then, is to turn the least averse option into a good outcome for the nation, not stand by and watch the years fritter away for the citizens of India. It is widely accepted in all mature democracies, that a programmatic pre-poll alliance or electoral adjustment is ethical and will be validated by a people's mandate as opposed to a post poll tie- up, which could be viewed as unethical and opportunistic and will be perceived as lacking the mandate of the public.”

Dr. JP adds, “At this point of time though, the Loksatta is not sure if other parties will agree to the framework that is proposed above. As a responsible political party, we owe it to the public to explore the potential for such an alliance or adjustment and the exercise must be performed in a sincere and honest manner.”

Thursday, March 20, 2014

జీవన భద్రత, తలెత్తుకుని ఎదిగే అవకాశాలతో రెండు రాష్ట్రాలకూ అభివృద్ధి బాటగా లోక్ సత్తా మేనిఫెస్టో




Loksatta unveils a road map for Development of two States

The Loksatta Party today unveiled its 2014 election manifesto which promises a bright future for the people of both Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh States.

Releasing what is called the people’s manifesto, Loksatta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan said that the time has come for ending politics of dynasty, corruption, centralization, divisions and freebies and refraining from repeating past mistakes.

The Loksatta has drafted its manifesto not with an eye on garnering seats and votes in elections but on providing a detailed road map for facilitating development, welfare and reforms.

In reply to a question, Dr. JP said that the Loksatta would contest only a limited number of seats, mostly in urban areas, as the political atmosphere in the two States is surcharged and the time available for it is short. It would release its policy paper on electoral alliances tomorrow.

In reply to another question, Dr. JP said that he had received suggestions from many quarters that he contest for the Lok Sabha in the context of Parliament endorsing Loksatta’s amendments to the AP Reorganization Act and his track record in bringing about reforms at the national level. Many leaders of major parties, citizens from all walks as well as friends and well wishers feel that he could make a greater contribution if he were to be present in the Lok Sabha. In case he were to contest for the Lok Sabha, he would do so from Malkajgiri.

On the demand for changing the Polavaram project and opposition to GM crops, Dr. JP said such issues should be left to subject experts and not muddied by politicians.

The following are the highlights of the manifesto:

Eradication of corruption: A strong Lokayukta and Ombudsmen at the district level will be formed and the corrupt will be jailed and their properties confiscated. Citizens’ charters will be implemented to ensure hassle-free services.

Basic amenities: With a per capita grant of Rs.1000 to wards in villages and towns from the State budget, people will be enabled to have access to basic services.

Healthcare: Every family will be provided free healthcare in both Government and private hospitals.

Education: Every student will be provided education including computers and English language.

Liquor menace: Liquor trade will be nationalized and shops limited to towns and mandal headquarters. Belt shops will be eliminated and de-addiction centers opened. Pensions will be provided to families of liquor victims.

Youth: The party will ensure good education, skills and livelihood opportunities to all youth.

Senior Citizens: Their services will be utilized in the fields of education, health and agriculture sectors. They will be provided 25 percent concession in bus fares.

Middle classes: Assistance will be provided for realizing their dream of a house of their own in the form loans at subsidized interest and sale of Government lands at cheaper rates.

Unorganized workers: Welfare boards will be created for workers like masons, carpenters, electricians, mechanics, petty traders and sales staff. They will be provided monetary assistance for their children’s education and interest-free loans for pursuing their professions. The aged will get pensions.

Agriculture: Farmers will have the right to sell their produce anywhere without any restrictions. They will be helped to get better prices through encouragement of foreign direct investment in retail trade. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme will be extended to the agriculture sector. Col storage facilities will be provided and agro industries encouraged.

Electricity: Twenty-four-hour power supply will be ensured in the next thee years. Steps will be taken to ensure there are no hikes in power tariffs for the next five years.

Industry: Industrial units will get fast clearances. Allocation of land and other resources will be transparent.

Loksatta Party leaders Katari Srinivasa Rao, Bandaru Ramamohan Rao, Y. D. Rama Rao, V. Laxman Balaji, V. Vijayender Reddy and Mrs. K. Gita Murthy took part in the media meet.

లోక్ సత్తా పార్టీ జనం మేనిఫెస్టో








Sunday, March 16, 2014

Coverage of Lok Satta Party from 13th-16th March 2014

2014-03-16

Andhrabhoomi - నేడు లోక్ సత్తా ఈలభేరి ప్రారంభం

Andhrajyothy - మరోసారి తప్పు చేయకండి

Andhrajyothy - అధికారమివ్వండి తడాఖా చూపిస్తాం

Andhrajyothy - లోక్ సత్తా సభకు ర్యాలీగా తరలిన కార్యకర్తలు

Andhrajyothy - సమర్థులను ఎన్నుకోవాలి

Andhrajyothy - 'లోక్ సత్తా'ది నిశ్శబ్ద విప్లవం

Andhrajyothy - లోక్ సత్తా సభకు తరలివెళ్లిన కార్యకర్తలు

Eenadu - వారసత్వ రాజకీయాలకు స్వస్తి పలకండి

Eenadu - లోక్'సత్తా' చాటుతాం

Eenadu - కొత్త రాజకీయాలకు నాంది పలకాలి

Eenadu - అవగాహనతో ఓటేయండి

Prajasakthi - అవినీతిపరులకు ఓటు వేస్తే భవిష్యత్ అంధకారం

Prajasakthi - అవినీతిపరులకు ఓటు వేస్తే భవిష్యత్ అంధకారం - Photo

Prajasakthi - అవినీతి నాయకులకు బుద్ది చెప్పండి

Prajasakthi - అవినీతిపరులకు ఓటు వేస్తే భవిష్యత్ అంధకారం

Sakshi - లోక్ సత్తా శంఖారావం

Sakshi - అవినీతి వల్లే వెనుకబాటు

Sakshi - లోక్ సత్తా బైక్ ర్యాలీ

Sakshi - ప్రజల బతుకు కోసం ఓటేయాలి

Sakshi - అవినీతి వల్లే ఉత్తరాంధ్ర వెనుకబాటు

Sakshi - అవినీతి వల్లే వెనుకబాటు

TheHansIndia - LSP to launch election campaign today

TheHindu - LSP to kickstart poll campaign today

TheHindu - Lok Satta chief takes credit for package to Seemandhra

2014-03-14

Eenadu - సాంకేతికతతో విప్లవాత్మక మార్పులు

Visalandhra - రేపు లోక్ సత్తా ఈలభేరి బహిరంగ సభ


2014-03-13

Andhrajyothy - విభజన ఓ అవకాశమే!

Eenadu - లోక్ సత్తా ప్రదర్శన

Saturday, March 15, 2014

16న కూకట్ పల్లి లో 'ఈల భేరి'తో లోక్ సత్తా ఎన్నికల శంఖారావం, పాల్గొంటున్న జేపీ, పార్టీ అగ్రనేతలు


Lok Satta launching poll campaign from Kukatpally

The Lok Satta Party is kicking off its 2014 general election campaign from Kukatpally in Hyderabad by holding a public meeting titled ‘Eela Bheri’ on Sunday, March 16. (Eela in Telugu, standing for whistle, is the election symbol of the party).

Lok Satta Party National and State Presidents, Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan and Katari Srinivasa Rao, and other top party leaders will take part in the meeting at 3-00 p.m. at Ramya Grounds in KPHB Colony.

Dr. JP, who represents Kukatpally in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, will explain how he has changed the face of the constituency in the last five years by taking up and successfully completing a number of development works and striving to ensure that welfare schemes reached all disadvantaged sections.

The Lok Satta, he will underline, is committed to providing good governance, eradicating corruption, ensuring good education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities to all and fighting for decentralization of power.

Friday, March 14, 2014

మార్చి 15న విశాఖపట్నంలో జేపీ పర్యటన


Dr. JP visiting Vizag on Mar. 15

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan will interact with students of Visakha Institute of Engineering & Technology in Visakhapatnam on ‘Youth in politics’ from 10-00 a.m. to 12-00 noon on Saturday, March 15.

At 5-00 p.m., he will take part in a meeting of the Lok Satta Party.

Lok Satta Party Tamil Nadu Announces First Set of Candidates List

Lok Satta Party, Tamil Nadu announced the first set of candidates list for the forthcoming General elections, 2014.

The candidates are,

1. A. Jaiganesh (29) - Chennai South

2. R. Gopalsamy (38) - Tiruppur

3. D. Pradeepkumar (30) - Virudhunagar

The candidate selection process was made in a transparent manner, with a committee formed to scrutinize the candidates. Their names were made available to general public and objections were sought if any. However, there were no objections obtained on their candidature.

These candidates have a distinguished record of public service, serving in various anti-corruption NGOs and civil societies. They have a clean track record in the past and do not have any criminal cases against them.

The election expenditure of these candidates will be accounted properly, audited and will be made available in the public domain. The detailed profile of these candidates is available here.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Coverage of Lok Satta Party on March 11th 2013

AndhraJyothy - ప్రజలకు చట్టబద్ధపాలన కావాలి: జేపీ

Eenadu - సుపరిపాలన కోసం నిబద్ధతతో కృషి చేయాలి

Sakshi - నిజాయతీ నాయకులు రావాలి

మున్సిపల్ / కార్పొరేషన్ల ఎన్నికలు - 2014 - లోక్ సత్తా పార్టీ ఎజెండా



వార్డు స్థాయిలో ఒక్కొక్కరికి రూ.1000 గ్రాంట్ తో లోక్ సత్తా పార్టీ మునిసిపల్ ఎన్నికల మేనిఫెస్టో



Lok Satta manifesto promises Rs.1000 per capita grant at ward level

The Lok Satta Party is promising citizen-centric governance in its manifesto for the 2014 municipal elections.

In its election manifesto released by the Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan here today, the party points out that although people pay taxes and elect representatives to govern them, their living conditions in towns and cities continue to be deplorable. There is no guaranteed supply of safe drinking water. Sanitation is neglected. Roads remain pot-holed and streets, dark. Education and healthcare in Government-run institutions are not attended to. Corruption is all-pervasive.

The Lok Satta Party underscores that the sole reason for this state of affairs lies in centralization of power at the national and State capitals. Not even 25 percent of funds allocated for various schemes and programs percolate to citizens.

The party says the remedy lies in taking administration to the door-step of people. Thanks to an agitation by the Lok Satta, a law has been enacted providing for formation of ward committees. But it remains a dead letter with no steps having been taken to implement it.

The Lok Satta Party manifesto envisages formation of ward committees and an annual per capita grant of Rs.1000. As a result, a ward committee representing a population of 4000 will get a grant of Rs.2 crore in five years.

The ward committee will formulate a development plan, supervise maintenance of drinking water supply, sanitation, roads, lights, libraries, parks, playgrounds, schools, healthcare institutions and anganwadis. It will safeguard Government properties from encroachments. It will ensure that beneficiaries of Government schemes for housing, pensions, subsidies etc are chosen through areas sabhas. Ward committees will supervise implementation of all Government schemes at the ward level.

The Lok Satta Party promises institution of community policing to prevent thefts and robberies and atrocities against women at the ward level. It will unveil citizen’s charters under which civic bodies have to deliver time-bound services like approval of building plans, provision of water supply connections and issuance of certificates with provision for a penalty of Rs.200 per day as compensation to the aggrieved for delays. It will ensure that citizens have the right to information in municipal matters.

To prevent corruption, it will usher in transparency in all purchases, and ensure that payments to contractors are made only after thorough evaluation of works. It will enable people to watch municipal proceedings by providing for a public gallery in council halls.

The Lok Satta Party will also strive for amending laws to provide for recall of elected councillors/corporators.

Judiciary too is guilty of delaying Local body elections: Dr.JP

Lok Satta Party national President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan said today that successive Governments, Legislatures and even the highest judiciary of the land have failed to honor both the letter and spirit of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments mandating elections to local bodies before the conclusion of their five-year term.

Releasing the party’s manifesto for municipal elections in Andhra Pradesh, Dr. JP said Governments might have a vested interest in postponing elections but he could not understand why even the Judiciary had been tardy in enforcing what is ordained in the Constitution. The judiciary’s interminable delays even on core provisions of the Constitution are reprehensible, he added.

Dr. JP said that municipal, ZPTC and MPTC elections are being held in Andhra Pradesh only as a matter of ritual. Yet, people should take the elections seriously since resolution of their day-to-day problems is intertwined with those whom they are going to elect. They should set aside affiliations to parties since all parties in the State are virtually dead.

Dr. JP recalled that the State Legislature had adopted the nearly Rs.1.85-lakh crore annual budget by a voice vote without any discussion. It involves a per capita expenditure of Rs.22000. If a mere Rs.1000 per capita is funneled to elected ward committees, people can get their immediate problems addressed without their having to knock at legislators’ and minister’s doors. The situation in the State now is so pathetic that a file relating to the transfer of even a primary school teacher has to be cleared by the Chief Minister. A ward in Hyderabad with a population of an average 60000 people will benefit to the extent of Rs. 30 crore in five years, if the Lok Satta proposal on per capita grant is conceded.

Rs. 1000 percapita grant at the Ward or Panchayat level, citizen’s charters for time bound services with a penalty for delays, and local ombudsmen to curb corruption are the core agenda items of Lok Satta in local elections.

Dr. JP disclosed that the Lok Satta has taken up with the 14th Finance Commission the proposal for direct devolution of a part of funds meant for States to elected ward committees in towns and villages.

Dr. JP said that the credit for crafting the municipal election manifesto goes to Vice President D. V. V. S. Varma and a dedicated party team.

Mr. Varma said that the Lok Satta is promoting direct democracy by making people partners in administration through ward committees and area sabhas.

State party President Katari Srinivasa Rao said that the party has so far decided to field candidates in 110 municipalities and 8 corporations.

He disclosed that he had to make Herculean efforts to get his name enrolled in the voter’s list as he found his name deleted. He had contested three elections and carried a voter card for eight years. The plight of ordinary citizens in registering themselves as voters could be imagined if such a fate had befallen him, he added.

Replying to a question, Dr. JP said that in the present confusing environment in the State, the Lok Satta Party has decided to contest only a limited number of seats in the ensuing elections to the Assembly. It is prepared for agenda based electoral adjustments, he added.

Replying to another question, he said it was strange that a Jai Samaikhya Andhra Party is springing up although the division of the State is a done deal. He said the Lok Satta always stood for direct election of mayors and municipal chairpersons.

Mr. P. Ravi Maruth, party General Secretary, Mr. Y. D. Rama Rao, Vice President and Mrs. Kanthimathi Kannan, the party candidate contesting from Nampalli Assembly seat, took part in the media meet.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Coverage of Lok Satta Party on 10th March 2013

Andhrabhoomi - మహిళలకు రాజకీయ ప్రాతినిధ్యం కల్పించాలి

Andhrajyothy - రాజకీయ నాయకులకు.. నిజాయతీయే కాదు.. సామర్థ్యమూ ఉండాలి

Andhrajyothy - సహజ నాయకత్వం.. స్త్రీల నిజమైన సత్తా: మహిళా ప్రతినిధులు

Eenadu - భవిష్యత్తుకు బాటలు వేద్దాం

Eenadu - ఆందోళన వద్దు... భవితపై దృష్టి పెడదాం

Eenadu - పాల ఉత్పత్తిలో అగ్రగామి భారత్

Eenadu - 'సీమాంధ్ర ఆర్థిక, సామాజిక ప్రగతిపై సమగ్ర చర్చ' అనే అంశంపై మాట్లాడుతున్న లోక్ సత్తా జాతీయ సమన్వయకర్త డాక్టర్ జయప్రకాష్ నారాయణ్

Eenadu - సహజ నాయకత్వం హక్కుగా రావాలి

Sakshi - అన్ని ప్రాంతాల అభివృద్ధి అవసరం

Sakshi - కొత్త పార్టీలు అవసరం లేదు: జేపీ

Surya - రాజకీయాల్ని మహిళల కళ్ల నుంచి చూడాలి

TheHansIndia - JP doubtful of special category status

TheHansIndia - New State may turn wealthiest in country

TheHindu - Lok Satta ready for tie-ups: JP

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