Monday, August 30, 2010

“Enable TTD Specified Authority to Eliminate Corruption (Telugu)” plus 1 more

“Enable TTD Specified Authority to Eliminate Corruption (Telugu)” plus 1 more

Enable TTD Specified Authority to Eliminate Corruption (Telugu)

Posted: 30 Aug 2010 07:42 AM PDT

Enable TTD Specified Authority to Eliminate Corruption

Posted: 30 Aug 2010 05:03 AM PDT


The Lok Satta Party today asked the Government to empower the TTD Specified Authority to preserve and protect the sanctity of the devasthanam and render better services to common people by eliminating corruption and utilizing every paisa devotees offer to the God.

The Government had so far winked at widespread corruption in the TTD as it had turned it into a political rehabilitation center, said Mr. D. V. V. S. Varma, party's Working President in a media statement. The Government should expiate its sins at least now by ceasing to play political games.

Mr. Varma said that institutional mechanisms utilizing modern technology should be in place to prevent and eradicate corruption. A thorough inquiry should be instituted into reports of missing gold coins, diamonds and jewelry. The authority should cancel the arjitha seva tickets booked in advance up to 2030 and their issuance afresh through a secure online system. Corporate houses should be asked to build their modern cottages and guesthouses on hills farther from the temple so that common, middle class pilgrims, who constitute the majority, did not suffer for want of accommodation. The Government should stamp out mafias smuggling in liquor and meat atop the hills with political support.

Mr. Varma suggested that the Specified Authority take steps to allocate 50 percent of the temple's revenue towards education and health care and constitute health and education mission for utilizing the funds. Temples in districts too with huge incomes should promote educational and health care institutions, he said.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

“Dr. JP launches Lok Satta Party in Tamil Nadu (Telugu)” plus 5 more

“Dr. JP launches Lok Satta Party in Tamil Nadu (Telugu)” plus 5 more

Dr. JP launches Lok Satta Party in Tamil Nadu (Telugu)

Posted: 28 Aug 2010 07:33 AM PDT

Dr. JP launches Lok Satta Party in Tamil Nadu

Posted: 28 Aug 2010 07:32 AM PDT


The Makkal Sakthi Katchi (MKS) (meaning party of people's power) today became the Lok Satta Party in Tamil Nadu by formally merging with the latter.

Formally launching the unit, Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan called upon the middle classes and the media to shed cynicism, overcome despair and join the Lok Satta Party which is providing an ethical, political platform to transform Indian politics. "It is time the best and the brightest shouldered the responsibilities of leadership as in the days of the freedom movement and strove to make the country great. Let us not squander the present priceless opportunity."

Dr. JP said that the country would be in grave peril unless it addressed seven grave challenges confronting the country today. He listed them as poverty, corruption, centralization, absence of rule of law, urban-rural divide, liquor and drug menace and divisions within society. The Lok Satta provided the right platform for the millions of people who are thirsting for change by addressing the challenges.

Most of the one-year-old Makkal Sakthi Katchi (MKS) members had been active in Makkal Sakthi Iyakkam founded by Mr. Udaya Murthy in 1988. They came out of the movement, founded the MKS and even contested in three by-elections to the Tamil Nadu Assembly in the last one year.

The average age of the members of the Tamil Nadu Lok Satta Party Executive is 32.

Lok Satta Party condemns assault on Lecturers (Telugu)

Posted: 28 Aug 2010 07:31 AM PDT

Lok Satta Party condemns assault on Lecturers

Posted: 28 Aug 2010 07:30 AM PDT


Lok Satta Party today condemned the students' assault on Lecturers discharging their duties on the Osmania University campus. Lok Satta leaders Mr. G. Raja Reddy and Mr. P. Ravimaruth said in a statement that the incident mars the image of the prestigious Osmania University.

Recourse to physical assault is unwanted in a democracy. None in Telangana would support such instances of anarchy, they said.

Lok Satta leaders appealed to political parties, civil society organizations to behave responsibly and asked people of all regions not to succumb to passions.

Lok Satta pays homage to Joji (Telugu)

Posted: 28 Aug 2010 07:30 AM PDT

Lok Satta pays homage to Joji

Posted: 28 Aug 2010 07:29 AM PDT


The Lok Satta Party today expressed its profound grief over the sudden death of Hyderabad Archbishop Marampudi Joji.

Party Vice President Mr. Bheesetti Babji, General Secretary Mr. V. Laxman Balaji, Yuva Satta President Mr. D. Ratnam laid a wreath on the body of Archbishop Joji at St. Mary's Church in Secunderabad.

In a media statement, they recalled that Joji always stood in the forefront in going to the assistance of people ranging from cyclone victims to child criminals. He promoted education and health care right from his Vijayawada days. He set an example to others by pursuing religion with a secular tinge.

Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, who was in Chennai, conveyed his condolences.

Friday, August 27, 2010

“Let’s not undermine electoral process, Dr. JP Appeals to political parties (Telugu)” plus 1 more

“Let’s not undermine electoral process, Dr. JP Appeals to political parties (Telugu)” plus 1 more

Let’s not undermine electoral process, Dr. JP Appeals to political parties (Telugu)

Posted: 27 Aug 2010 05:07 AM PDT

Let’s not undermine electoral process, Dr. JP Appeals to political parties

Posted: 27 Aug 2010 04:28 AM PDT


Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today appealed to all political parties not to undermine the electoral process and demolish the credibility of the Election Commission of India by kicking up a controversy over electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Addressing the media, Dr. JP pointed out that the Election Commission is one of the few institutions which enjoy credibility. It has earned reputation by conducting free and fair elections by and large.

Referring to certain politicians' contention that EVMs could be tampered with and poll outcomes rigged, Dr. JP said it was nobody's case that any man-made machine is not vulnerable to tampering. After all an EVM is like any other machine which can be manipulated and fixed. The Election Commission has instituted fool-proof safeguards at various levels to protect the sanctity of elections and prevent any possibility of EVMs being tampered with. The important question, therefore, is whether EVMs are being tampered with during elections in real life situations..

He recalled that the Election Commission of India had offered to place EVMs at the disposal of Doubting Thomases for a month and challenged them to prove that they could be tampered with in the conditions in which elections are actually held. But none has chosen to accept the challenge so far.

Dr. JP pointed out that EVMs are subject to scrutiny at three stages – by officials before they are installed, by contesting candidates before elections and by their representatives on the day of polling.

Dr. JP recalled that the AIADMK led by Ms. Jayalalitha in Tamil Nadu and the Congress led by Mr. Amarinder Singh in Punjab had both sought Supreme Court intervention to stall the use of EVMs. In the elections that followed the Supreme Court's dismissal of their petitions, both the parties swept the elections and formed Governments. In the latest instance, the TRS won the by-elections to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly which witnessed use of both EVMs and printed ballot papers in different constituencies.

Dr. JP charged that certain political parties are trying to explain away their failure to win the hearts and minds of voters with their policies and programs by blaming it on EVMs.

He appealed to the Maharashtra Government to release Mr. Hari Prasad of Hyderabad, who was arrested in connection with a missing electronic voting machine (EVM), and drop the case registered against him.

Dr. JP likened Mr. Hari Praasad, a technical coordinator for an NGO, Citizens for Verification, Transparency and Accountability in Elections, to a whistle-blower who wanted to improve the electoral system. He might have taken some ill-advised steps in the process but he harbored no ill-will against the Election Commission.

Victimizing Mr. Hari Prasad by the Maharashtra Government for his whistle-blower activity would be akin to arresting a reporter who offers a bribe to a politician or official as part of a sting operation.

Dr. JP said that the Election Commission officials lodged a first information report with the Maharashtra police about a missing EVM as early as in May 2010 and left the matter at that. The Maharashtra police arrested Mr. Hari Prasad at his residence in Hyderabad as a follow-up to the complaint. In this whole episode, the Election Commission acted with commendable restraint, dignity and probity.

Dr. JP announced that the Lok Satta Party would extend legal aid to Mr. Hari Prasad. He said that the Foundation for Democratic Reforms will take the initiative to organize a national workshop by involving all the stakeholders including Election Commission officials and experts in electronics to dispel misgivings over EVMs once and for all.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Launch of Tamil Nadu Lok Satta Party - 28th Aug 2010

Launch of Tamil Nadu Lok Satta Party - 28th Aug 2010

Launch of Tamil Nadu Lok Satta Party - 28th Aug 2010

Posted: 25 Aug 2010 10:38 PM PDT


Dear Friends,

Tamil Nadu unit of Lok Satta Party has been formed in the name of Makkal Sakthi Katchi and has been functional since last 1 year. The State steering committee of Lok Satta Tamil Nadu, which is a collective body of leaders governing the Tamil Nadu unit comprises of young professionals, entrepreneurs, students and experienced former bureaucrats.

After 1 year of laying the foundation, the TN Lok Satta team ( Makkal Sakthi Katchi) is all geared up, to publicly launch the party on the coming Saturday, 28th August 2010 at:


Venue : Anita Matriculation Higher Secondary School
5/6, Ritherdon Road,
Vepery(Behind YWCA on Poonamallee High Rd),
Chennai – 600007
Date : Saturday, 28.08.2010
Time : 4 - 8 PM


I along with the executive committee of Lok Satta and my colleagues in the state units of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh take this opportunity to call upon you to attend, participate and strengthen the hands of the Lok Satta Tamil Nadu team. Being young at heart and fired up by passion, the TN Lok Satta team has demonstrated commitment towards strengthening the democratic process, empowering fellow citizens in obtaining their fundamental rights and rallying for public interest issues to restore people's faith in the democratic process in Tamil Nadu. With all of your participation and support, we are confident that the young, dynamic and vibrant TN Lok Satta team will advance in the TN political arena and create a clean, refreshing and promising political environment in Tamil Nadu.

I once again urge you all to participate, support and donate generously to encourage the young band of leaders, some of whom have given up an otherwise lucrative job for carrying forward the mission of Lok Satta's, "New Politics for a New Generation" in Tamil Nadu.

Please visit Tamil Nadu Lok Satta's website www.loksatta.org/TN (Tamil Version : www.makkalsakthi.net)

The leaders of the State steering committee of TN Lok Satta are counting on your support and they can be reached at 09840618948 and 09150040092.



With warm regards,



Jayaprakash Narayan

Founder & National President - Lok Satta Party

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

“Letter to the Chief Minister on Municipal Elections” plus 2 more

“Letter to the Chief Minister on Municipal Elections” plus 2 more

Letter to the Chief Minister on Municipal Elections

Posted: 25 Aug 2010 04:59 AM PDT

Stop trotting out lame excuses and hold Civic body elections: Lok Satta (Telugu)

Posted: 25 Aug 2010 04:41 AM PDT

Stop trotting out lame excuses and hold Civic body elections: Lok Satta

Posted: 25 Aug 2010 04:17 AM PDT


Postponement of elections to municipalities and municipal corporations is unconstitutional and unwarranted, the Lok Satta Party told the State Government today and demanded that it arrange elections before September- end when they are due.

In a letter to Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, Lok Satta Party Working President D. V. V. S. Varma said postponement of elections on the pretext of undertaking BC's enumeration for reservation purposes would not wash. Governments in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and West Bengal had entrusted the Election Commission with the responsibility of finalizing reservations and delimitation of wards. In contrast, the Andhra Pradesh Government retained those powers to defer elections for short-term political gain whenever the need arises. "Deferring elections and foisting official rule runs counter to democracy, and the Constitution."

Mr. Varma revealed that the Government had deliberately refrained from spending Rs.4000 crore on works in municipalities with an eye on spending it on the eve of elections to reap political mileage for the ruling party.

Mr. Varma also demanded that the Government restore the ideal, demoractic practice of direct election of municipal chairpersons and mayors prevalent prior to 2005. Indirect elections result in horse-trading, defections, and unlimited corruption later on. He suggested that the State Government take the initiative to reserve 50 percent of the seats in civic bodies to women, as contemplated by the Union Government.

Mr. Varma said that the State Government was lax in transferring powers, resources, and personnel to civic bodies, and in formation of ward committees as per the law enacted two years ago. He wanted the Government to decentralize administration by forming ward committees and empowering them.

Mr. Varma told the Chief Minister that the Lok Satta proposals are in accordance with the proposed amendments to the Constitution and the recommendations of the second Administrative Reforms Commission.

Mr. Varma disclosed that the response to the Lok Satta call for people's sit-in at municipal offices seeking elections on time evoked response beyond the party's expectations. According to information received until 4-00 p.m., the dharna took place at 62 municipal offices, including corporations.

Lok Satta President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan took part in the dharna at Ongole. Zonal in-charge leaders Katari Srinivasa Rao took part in the dharna at Ongole, G. Raja Reddy at Nizamabad, P. Ravi Maruth at Khammam, Bandaru Ramamohana Rao at Zaheerabad and Y. D. Rama Rao at Kakinada. State leaders V. Laxman Balaji, V. Vijeynder Reddy, and Mahila Satta and Yuva Statta leaders took part in the dharnas at different places.

Monday, August 23, 2010

“Celebrate Telangana Liberation Day, Demands Lok Satta (Telugu)” plus 2 more

“Celebrate Telangana Liberation Day, Demands Lok Satta (Telugu)” plus 2 more

Celebrate Telangana Liberation Day, Demands Lok Satta (Telugu)

Posted: 23 Aug 2010 04:36 AM PDT

Celebrate Telangana Liberation Day, Demands Lok Satta

Posted: 23 Aug 2010 04:10 AM PDT


The Lok Satta Party today demanded that the Government celebrate Telangana Liberation Day officially on September 17 since integration of Telangana with the Indian Union was a continuation of the country's freedom movement.

Addressing a media conference, party leaders Katari Srinivasa Rao and Eeda Chennaiah recalled that both Maharashtra and Karnataka celebrate September 17 as Liberation Day in the districts which were under Nizam's rule earlier and became part of those States following the States' reorganization. "None should ignore that September 17 was the day when the country was really united."

September 17 should be an occasion to introspect to what extent the present day leaders sought to realize the dreams of those who fought for the Nizam State's liberation and union with India. "We don't know what happened to the children of Sardar Patel who integrated the princely States with the Indian Union. We do not know the inheritors of K. M. Munshi and Vellodi who served as Governors of the Hyderabad State. The children of Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, the first Chief Minister of Hyderabad, did not live off their father's reputation. Even the children of Mahatma never ran after office. Raj Mohan Gandhi became an MP in his own right and not as a Mahatma Gandhi scion. In contrast, present day politicians viewed politics as a means to enrich themselves and further the growth of their children and grandchildren and not to serve the public. It is such politicians who are mortgaging the country's freedom and not left wing extremists or terrorists. The Telangana Liberation Day should inspire every one to work for uprooting the politics of loot and plunder and dynastic rule and ushering in people-oriented politics."

The party leaders announced that Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan would take part in a sit-in at the municipal office in Ongole as part of the party's program to organize demonstrations at all municipal offices on August 25 demanding elections to urban civic bodies on time. The party's demands include direct election to the positions of municipal chairpersons and Mayors, elected ward governments, and corruption-free rule.

Can a commoner enter legislature, Asks Lok Satta

Posted: 23 Aug 2010 02:20 AM PDT


It is odd that lawmakers plan to enact a law that benefits only them, said the Lok Satta Party today on the demand for a hike in MPs' salaries.

It would be in the fitness of things if the 15th Lok Sabha cleared a hike in pay and perquisites for members of the 16th Lok Sabha. There is such a precedent in the U. S. President Clinton signed the law that provided for a hike in the salary of the next incumbent.

In a media statement, party General Secretary Katari Srinivasa Rao said that the demand for a higher salary by MPs is understandable. Expecting elected representatives to spend out of their pocket is not proper. At the same time, salaries should not become a source of income. Instead, they should earn income through some honest means.

The real issue, however, is not MPs' salaries. Scores of MPs do not need any salary at all since they happen to be millionaires. Apparently, only those who can spend millions of rupees can step into legislature portals these days. Democracy faces a grave threat if one can enter legislature only with the help of money and not on the strength of one's policies and programs. When a majority of people goes unrepresented because of the influence of money, the divide between the rulers and the ruled widens and triggers unrest. The MPs should focus on such disturbing developments, instead of only on their salaries.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)