Citizens’ groups go political

Taking a leaf out of the Lok Satta movement, civic groups and associations are planning to contest the municipal polls

Citizens' groups go political

Taking a leaf out of the Lok Satta movement, civic groups and associations are planning to contest the municipal polls

BANGALOREANS are taking matters into their own hands and getting ready to give netas a run for their money during the BBMP polls.

Taking inspiration from Andhra Pradesh's Dr Jayaprakash Narayan, a former IAS officer known for winning assembly elections without the help of money and liquor, citizens' forums and residents' associations are planning to contest elections this time around.

They will contest in at least 17 wards and have already started preparations. This will be the first time that
residents will contest polls on their own, unlike in the past when they had to be a part of a political party.

"We will start off in Karnataka by contesting the coming BBMP polls. Bangaloreans have come forward to work for a change and Lok Satta will help them do it," said Narayan who started the Lok Satta movement.u00a0

This is also the first time that Lok Satta will make its debut in Karnataka. The state unit plans to strengthen the network through a website serving as a platform for citizens to create awareness and debate city-centric issues.

TARGET BBMP: Citizens' groups plan to contest in at least 17 wards

"It's an exclusive platform for citizens to have their say," said Ashwin Mahesh, Lok Satta member who is also a part of ABIDe (Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructure Development Taskforce). "People will work for change in their areas."

To begin with, citizens' forums and residents' associations in Basavangudi and Padmanabhanagar assembly constituencies have volunteered to work for the polls.

Lok Satta party volunteers are already on their toes in some parts of the city, taking the party message to voters. But they are clear about supporting only those candidates finalised by the forums and associations.

Where there is more than one candidate within a body, there will be an internal election to finalise the candidate.

Lok Satta volunteers will work as neighbourhood committees, educating people about city-centric issues like strategic planning for the city, importance of citizen participation in administration, policy-making and the electoral process.

"We have received an overwhelming response so far," said Narayan. "We hope that through this citizen movement, people will contribute to changing Bangalore."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels