NATIONAL POLITICS

JD-SP-CPI(M)-CPI-RSP-FB Platform for Secular Democratic Alternative

Introduction

The country is faced with an all-round crisis due to the policies pursued by the Narasimha Rao government and the divisive communal politics of the BJP.

The economic policies of the Congress(I) government have eroded economic sovereignty, provided a bonanza for big capitalists and foreign multinational corporations and heightened the sufferings of the people.

The BJP by pursuing its communal agenda poses a threat to the secular fabric of our society and national unity. Equivocation by the Congress(1) on secularism and the BJP's enthusiastic advocacy of liberalization have brought out their proximity.

Together both these parties have institutionalized corruption in the highest echelons of power as seen by the record of their governments. The hawala transactions have exposed not only high level corruption but also collusion with anti-social and anti-national elements.

The discrediting of the Congress(I) and the BJP in the eyes of the people has set the backdrop for the most significant elections to the Lok Sabha in recent times. The people want to replace the present government with an alternative which is secular and democratic.

It is the forces representing the secular, democratic and left opposition which can present a coherent and effective alternative to both the Congress(T) and the BJP.

The National Front-Left Parties, the Samajwadi Party and their allies today stand for preserving national unity, unalterable progress towards social and economic equity in all spheres, defense of human rights, with their commitment to the values of secularism, federalism and social and economic justice, it is this alternative which the people aspire for national rejuvenation.

Social Justice

Empowerment of the deprived and underprivileged segments of the society through reservations in public employment, education and other departments of social life shall be effected. The reservation of 30 per cent elective posts in local bodies for women will be extended to union and state legislatures.

Steps will be taken to ensure increased avenues in public employment and education for them. Measures will be adopted to promote and ensure gender equality in property and conjugal rights. Secularism Attempts of communal forces to erode the multi- ethnic and multi-religious character of our society will be strongly resisted. While deploring the winding up of the Srikrishna commission enquiring in Bombay riots, steps will be adopted to hold enquiry in these riots and the guilty will be punished.

Stringent steps will be adopted to implement the places of worship act. The contentious issue of Babari mosque-Rama Janmabhoomi temple will be resolved by referring it to the supreme Court under Article 138(2) of the Constitution.

Freedom of all religions will be guaranteed. Religious minorities will be assured enjoyment of the fullest protection and opportunities to pursue their religious beliefs and develop their religious, social and educational institutions.

Uniform or common civil code will not be enforced on any community against its will. Gujral Committee recommendations on Urdu will be implemented. Legislation will be enacted to prevent use of religion in politics.

A Humane Society

Right of elementary education will be made a fundamental right. Prasar Bharati act will be implemented. Electoral reforms bill and bills for judicial reforms introduced by NF government in 1990 will be adopted.

Indian penal code will be reviewed to remove all provisions which violate human rights. UN Conventions on torture and refugees will be adopted. All states will be required to appoint human rights commissions.

Jammu and Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir protium will be resolved on the basis of autonomy. Article 370 of the constitution will be respected. Free and fair democratic elections will be guaranteed.

Appeal to Like-minded Parties

India is in the midst of a major transition in economic, social and political life. It is a transition which should be guided by the principles of democracy. secularism, federalism, socialism and social justice. The ethos of our humanist traditions and the aspirations of independence struggle would inspire it. In the building of this new India of equality, justice and fraternity we seek the fullest participation of like-minded Parties and groups. The common approach outlined above is recommended to all of them for adoption jointly with us.

(Source: The New Age Weekly, 21-27 April, 1996)

Election Manifestoes on Minority Issues

Janata Dal

1.     Through a constitutional amendment, if necessary, reservations may be provided to Dalit Christians.

2.     The JD thinks an independent commission "desirable" to provide reservation to certain religious minorities without disturbing the arrangement in place for the backward sections among them.

3.     The JD manifesto says, "The act adopted by Parliament in respect of religious shrine will be fully respected. All disputes relating to religious shrines including Ayodhya dispute will be referred to the Supreme Court to be settled under Article 138(2).

Congress (I)

a.     The Congress reiterates its commitment to protect and safeguard minorities and states that there should be no imposition of any change in the personal law of any community.

b.     The party also commits itself to provide them special help needed for their upliftment. "The Congress will leave no stone unturned to secure the life and liberty of all the people including minorities, the manifesto says.

c.     It has listed various welfare and financial schemes that have been launched for the economic and social development of the minorities.

d.     On J&K the manifesto blames the V.P. Singh Govt. for worsening the situation there. It says the Congress believes that elections howsoever difficult are the only way break the deadlock in that state.

BJP

1.     As for its dispersion towards minorities, the BJP promises full protection to the rights of minority communities but has ruled out a "policy of appeasement" which, in its view, has "stood in the way of their integration with the national mainstream". The BJP will strictly adhere to its policy of "justice for all and appeasement of none".

2.     In J&K, the manifesto talks of separate regional development councils for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

3.     Facilitating construction of a "magnificent Ram Temple at Ayodhya".

4.     Abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution to end the special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

5.     Introducing the Uniform Civil Code.

 Samajwadi Party

Laws shall be enacted to protect the rights of minorities. For the safety and protection of all the sections of society, stringent steps will be taken. Legal action will be taken against those who harm the places of worship of any religion notwithstanding how big and powerful the person. All the places of worship of all religions which are under Archaeology Department and worship has been stopped, will be opened for worship. Legal action will be taken against culprits of Sikh riots of 1984 and the guilty people of riots which broke after the destruction of Babari Masjid in 1992. Those who suffered losses during the riots, will be compensated.

Like UP, the 'Shanti Surksha Bal' will be formed at the national level, in which people from every religion will represent. Srikrishna Commission will be revived for probing the Bombay riots or a new commission will be formed by the Central government. Sufferers of riots will be compensated properly. Misuses of TADA in Bombay and other parts of the country will be probed. Foreign Policy: A confederation of India-Pakistan and Bangladesh will be formed. The Kashmir problem is complex by Congress rule. The Samajwadi Party believes that after the organisation of India-Pakistan and Bangladesh confederation, the Kashmir problem as well as border issues will be solved automatically.

 Indira Congress (T)

1.     "The problem of Kashmir is due to utter lack of appreciation of sentiments and aspiration of the citizens of that area by an unresponsive and unimaginative administrative set up that a sense of alienation has become fairly widespread.

2.     J&K is an integral part of our country and the people of India look upon it as the crucible were secularism. tolerance and unity were born during the most trying times when the partition of India took place. We believe that it is this national character of this region that must be strengthened and fortified so that it continues to remain and example for the rest of the country"

3.     "The Indira Congress is of the firm believe that this vicious circle has to be broken boldly by adopting policies and postures which on the one hand restore law and order, bring about peace, ensuring the life and liberty of every citizen and on the other hand renounce meticulously the reasons that have led the alienation of the people. This can be brought about openly by a frank and candid dialogue to bring about a truly participative administration which provides an atmosphere for the democratic functioning of the institutions provided for by our Constitution".

4.     To give reservation to "Dalit Christian" at par with Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the Indira Congress adopts the "Dalit Manifesto" incorporating the rights and entitlement of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes"

Communalism has been the bane of Indian politics and poses the greatest danger to the future of democracy itself in this country. The Indira Congress(T) gives a solemn commitment to the nation it shall fight relentlessly against all communal, divisive and sectarian principles and ideas that are bedeviling the Indian polity today. The party will work to bring about an atmosphere of amity and goodwill among all communities of the country. We are opposed to the exploitation of religion, language or caste for any purpose. The minorities have equal rights in this country and these rights must be protected and promoted in every manner permissible under the Constitution. 4"Adequate safeguards and incentives to promote the education of the minorities as laid down in the Constitution of India".

(Source: The Radiance Viewsweekly, 28 April-4 May, 1996)