Another apolitical outfit takes shape

In the lines of Anna movement, yet another front, claiming to be apolitical, took shape on Friday. The front, Odisha Jan Rajniti Abhiyan, vows to provide an alternative to the present ‘corrupt political system’. It would not field candidates, but convince people to choose the right people.

The outfit was formed with coming together of social organisations, intellectuals, scholars and activists along with political leaders. To begin with, a Statewide ‘padayatra’ would be held next year.

It would cover all districts with the objective of laying ground for ‘alternative people’s politics for alternative development’ by educating and empowering the people at the grassroots.  “The policies of the governments are now guided for the benefit of the corporates and industries. The vast natural resources of the State are being plundered at will.

The Government is not keen on the uplift of the people and all the schemes are ineffective because they are not followed up by planned comprehensive policies, be it for poverty alleviation or agriculture development”, Abhiyan leader Rabi Das said.

The first State-level convention of the front was  also held here on Friday with the leaders releasing a draft on the people’s politics and alternative development.

“The Abhiyan will not be a political party and put up candidates on its own. We would urge people to choose the right persons who are honest and actually willing to work for their development to represent them. People will be urged to put up candidates they deem fit for their own region. Like-minded organisations and outfits, even political formations, can also be roped in for the purpose”,  national president of Samajwadi Jan Parishad Lingaraj said. With activists like Prafulla Samantray, Laxmipriya Mohanty, B S Mishra and Kishore Chandra Das along with former MP Braja Kishore Tripathy taking part, the Abhiyan’s draft has called for sweeping changes to the political system to make it transparent and accountable. The draft calls for cap on mining and export of minerals, leasing of mines and halt to indiscriminate industrialisation at the cost of domestic enterprise.