A Note on Grassroots Politics
Ekta Parishad is known for building
nonviolent social movement with a special focus on marginalized people at the
bottom. By and large Ekta Parishad has kept itself aloof from participating in
direct electoral politics. During the election members of the organization were
given free space to decide which candidate should be elected according to who
can serve the interest of the marginalized communities.
In the recent national committee
meeting of Ekta Parishad, it was decided to make a planned intervention in the
grassroot electoral politics. Except one or two states in India where the
grassroot politics is also on party lines, in all other states the Panchayat
elections are conducted on a nonparty basis. In a three-tier system of
governance, panchayat is the only place where elections are held without direct
party involvement. Unless this level of politics is strengthened and purified
Ekta Parishad doesn’t see possibilities to deliver justice to the marginalized
communities. Unfortunately, the corrupt system at the top has infiltrated deep
into the bottom. Electoral representatives at the bottom are being used by
powerful lobbies to advance their agenda. Along with decentralization of power
corruption is also decentralized and this process is eating into the roots of
democracy.
Ekta Parishad has taken note of this
reality and has decided to actively intervene at this level. This will mean
identification of the right kind of candidate at the ward level, providing them
information and training to understand their role as elected representative. It
will also mean continued support after the election to take their
responsibility seriously and also to focus on delivery of justice to the
poor and marginalized. We believe that many young people who are
part of Ekta Parishad struggle for the last many years can be candidates for
panchayat election. Large number of elected representatives at the grassroots
level can bring about a transformation in the political culture of India.
Ekta Parishad has decided to set up a special wing to design this process and
also to set up necessary systems for training, follow up, etc. Experts who have
worked on this agenda for many years like Mr. Pran in Uttar Pradesh, PRIYA in
Delhi will be drawn into this process. As they have already developed training
modules and other systems to deal with grassroot politics.
Ekta Parishad believes that along
with grassroots economy we should also focus on grassroot politics. Ekta
parishad is also focusing on grassroots fundraising and grassroot leadership.
We believe that this new approach of Ekta Parishad will not only strengthen the
social movement in India but will also strengthen the democratic process of
India.
Rajagopal.P.V
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