Dr. JP welcomes Aamir Khan's call for Clean and honest politics

Lok Satta President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan has welcomed Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s call for the emergence of a political party which stands for “clean and honest politics".

In his blog http://www.aamirkhan.com/blog, Aamir Khan had blamed all political parties for failing to tackle terrorism and added that the people too were to blame for not exercising their right to vote and making injudicious choices. He said, "We can only blame ourselves guys. Half of us don't go to vote. The half that does vote has selected these guys."

In a letter to Aamir Khan, Dr. JP pointed out that "The mindless anger of many people against politicians can easily become anti-political and lead to chaos and disintegration or authoritarianism. We need clean and honest politics with a practical and inclusive agenda. Vote buying and inducements and stoking flames of hatred and divisions should give way to meaningful public discourse and the awakening and mobilization of citizens."

Recalling that the Lok Satta movement, engaged in political and governance reform work for over 12 years, had achieved impressive results, Dr. JP said, "But we have come to the conclusion that unless a new political culture is evolved all else is lost." That was why the Lok Satta Party was launched two years ago. Dr. JP pointed out that the Lok Satta's political base is in Andhra Pradesh for the time being since building a national political entity is a Herculean task and needs vast resources and leadership of many credible people across the country."

Dr. JP said: "Your words are music to the ears of all lovers of liberty and national integration. We should meet at the earliest to share ideas and see how best we can take them forward."

Saturday, December 6, 2008 - 08:58