NATIONAL POLITICS

JD, CPI and CPI(M): Joint Statement

25 January, 1996

The leaders of Janata Dal, CPI(M) and CPI met on January 24, 1996. The following representatives of the parties participated in the meeting:

Janata Dal

Shri S.R Bommai                       Shri Ram Vilas Paswan

Shri I.K Gujral                              Shri Surendra Mohan

Shri S. Jaipal Reddy

CPI(M)

Shri Harkishan Singh Surjeet    Shri Prakash Karat

CPI

Shri Indrajit Gupta                   Shri M.A. Farooqui

Shri A.B. Bardhan                      and 2 others

During the meeting they exchanged extensive notes on the current political scene in the country, and on the situation in various states in the context of ensuing Lok Sabha election. It was felt that the need for strengthening the third alternative, which is committed to secular democracy, self-reliant economy and social justice, is all the greater now. The meeting expressed its grave concern at the threat posed to national security as evidenced in the arms-dropping in Purulia and the manner in which the hawala racket has been handled.

The leaders of the three parties were deeply disturbed to note that the government is completely clueless even after one month of arms-dropping.

As for the hawala racket, they were shocked by the inordinate delay and deliberate indifference that characterized the CBI probe and adverse impact of involvement of senior leaders and bureaucrats, including the prime minister, on the security of the nation. They, therefore, emphasized the need for transparent investigation, speedy trial and deterrent punishment to all

those involved in the hawala scandal.

CPI(M)-CPI Joint Statement On Third Alternative New Delhi, 20 February, 1996

 The leaders of the CPI and CPI(M) exchanged views on the current political situation (and) reiterated their commitment to forge a wider alliance of the Left and secular opposition forces. Efforts towards this should be stepped up and there should be no further delay. Such a third alternative is required by the people.

The two parties, in order to strengthen Left intervention in the coming elections, decided to finalize their electoral understanding on seats by the end of the month

The meeting welcomed the talks which have been held between the president of the Janata Dal and the president of the Samajwadi Party in Lucknow... which should help pave the way for an understanding. In view of this, the two parties decided to initiate talks with the Samajwadi Party for an electoral understanding in UP.

Statement of the CBCI on the General Elections

We the Bishop's of India, gathered in our biennial General Assembly at St. Mary's Malankara Seminary, Thiruvananthapuram, February 13 to 21st, 1996, issue these guidelines to the Catholics of India, in view of the forthcoming elections in our country.

The obligation to vote is a very serious one. It is primarily through this action that a citizen can participate in the decision making powers of the country. We are all aware of the need for a constant renewal of the structures of Indian society and exercising our franchise is an essential element in this renovation.

During the General Elections the largest democracy in the world will be electing a new members of Parliament and or it, their right and obligation to participates in this election process. Every vote is important as it might be the decisive one.

The main problem just now is to select the candidate or the party. The Catholic doctrine. In a more positive way the party should be selected according to its manifesto which should include the following objectives.

1. It should respect human life in all its stages, promote the dignity and value of the human person, and ensure ecological and environmental protection.

2. It should have a preferential bias towards the poor, especially the dalits, the tribals, the economically underprivileged, the women, children, aged and disabled.

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3. It should treat the Christian dalits in the same way it treats the dalits of other religions, so that there is no

discrimination.

of the rural areas and rural masses, and the urban poor. 4. It should be more committed to the development

5. It should envisage the structural transformation of Indian society at least in some degree, where all Indians can live in fellowship based on equality, justice and freedom. We should reject any party that ignores it or openly wants to programmes.

6. It must have effectively programmes for fostering peace and communal harmony at all levels.

7. It must ensure that the value of Secularism be upheld according to the Constitution of India, so that the State must allow freedom for every religion to flourish without favouring any.

8. It should be committed to recognize and preserve India's religio-cultural pluralism as a way of enriching the country. It should in a special way respect and protect the minorities.

9. It should have a political will to fight against corruption at all levels especially in punlic and political life, to ensure accountability to the people and to take adqu ate steps to prevent wastage of public funds.

10. It must uphold the unity and integrity of the country.

It is good for us to note that no party is going to qualify fully for our choice on the basis of the guidelines. The guidelines are given in a clear and sharp way to present the Christian vision without any vagueness. But we can choose the party which fulfills these conditions most. The choice depends entirely on the freedom of the individual.

In conclusion, while trying to provide guidelines for the coming Election, we take the opportunity of encouraging our lay people to take an active part in the political and public life of the nation. As we prepare ourselves for the General Election, we call upon the Catholic Community to begin a campaign of prayer.

Once more we make a fervent appeal to our lay people who have a special charism for the political fields, so that they can assist members of the Catholic community to exercise their franchise in this critical period of our nation's history.