*Be The Change* *Support New Politics*
*Support Praja Rajakiya Vedike Candidates* BBMP Elections - A Challenge An opportunity to be part of Clean, Efficient and Transparent Governance *Dear Friends,* Praja Rajakiya Vedike (PRV) is a political platform of highly dedicated social activists with decades of work for social change. We are people with a long history in political and people's movements. We have been working in diverse sectors – urban/rural poor; rights of children, women, dalits, workers, religious minorities, adivasis, sexual minorities; human rights; development; ecology and environment; good governance and democratization. We have realized that real change is possible only through political power i.e. when people are central to decision making processes at city, state and country levels. Hence PRV is launched to challenge and change the corrupt political culture in Karnataka. We have resolved to participate in BBMP elections and have fielded two candidates, Ms. Veena from Okalipuram (Ward No. 96) and Mr. Derick Anil from Hebbal (Ward No. 21). The coming BBMP (*http://bbmp.gov.in*) elections are taking place only due to the directives of the Courts. Political parties in power have done everything possible to maintain their illegitimate control over the BBMP while delaying and tampering with the election process. We believe that all existing political parties and their leaders lack values and principles, and we are determined to speak out against the status quo. The mainstream political parties indulge in worst forms of electoral malpractices to get votes – use money, use muscle power, coercion, threats and the list goes on. For them election is business where you invest some money to win elections and once elected they pocket huge sums of people's money through every conceivable corrupt practices. They make money, many times over their 'investment'. They make money, and people get bad roads, no street lights, no water, crumbling school buildings, poorly-run hospitals and no development at all. Present model of development is completely against people. Crores of rupees are spent for beautification of pavements and roads while ignoring basic issues of people – housing, roads, water, electricity, education, employment, health, childcare, old age support, sanitation etc. We are committed to make sure that the people's money is spent under people's control, so that real needs of people are addressed. PRV will struggle to end this corrupt money-muscle-power politics. We will raise money from public to fight elections. We will not make our candidates spend money from their pockets. We are opposed to corruption of all kinds. A participatory democracy is need of the hour. Participation of every citizen not just casting your vote but also ridding the elections of even a possibility of any corrupt practice. We request you to contribute towards this either by your time and or financial support. We don’t buy votes. We need to reach each and every voter the above message, through literature, audio or audio visual medium. People may ask, “How can poor politicians help us?” But our personal resources are not relevant. There are more than enough funds available for the BBMP through taxes. This money belongs to the people, and should be spent to ensure that basic, high-quality services are available to every resident of our city. It is high time that all those entrusted with the administration are made accountable and put a stop to all such corrupt practices that render the finances dry, without any of it reaching the needs and development of the city and it infrastructure. *Our Promise to You* We will struggle through all peaceful and lawful means to help you get basic amenities even in case our candidates do not get elected. We will work to strengthen ward committees (with its members directly elected, not nominated), and will make sure that they have the final say on what money is being spent in the ward, and how, and why. We will fight for a new culture of transparency, demanding that politicians justify publicly how money is being spent, at monthly meetings open to all. According to media, main political parties are planning to spend at least Rs. 1 to 1.5 Crore per ward to get their candidate elected – even though the limit is Rs. 5 lakhs! We commit, not only to spending within the limit set by law, but spending every paisa with transparency and accountability. Our money will be spent on reaching out to each and every voter, one by one, to tell them about our candidates. For this, we will spend only the following, for each candidate: - Food, water and transportation for election workers (all volunteers) - Banners, pamphlets, hire four-wheelers, auto-rickshaws - Deposits for filing nominations, obtaining voters list, photocopying and other miscellaneous expenses This means we commit to spending no more than legal limit. Each paisa will be spent through official channels, and all expenses will be publicly declared. The affidavit regarding any property owned by our candidates and their dependents will also be made fully public, in all its detail now, once every year after they are elected as corporators. *Our Candidates* *Veena S*. is a hijra, a transsexual woman, who has struggled for many years for the rights of women, Dalits, sexual minorities and workers. She is seeking to represent the people of *Okalipuram Ward-96*, where she has lived all of her life. “I am asking you not to sell your vote to those who are trying to buy you with money and liquor,” she says. “I promise you a clean politics, and whether I win or lose, I will work with integrity.” Having grown up in a slum herself, Veena understands the critical issues for those who live there with her, including the improvement of basic facilities, the development of women and children, and equality for all sections of people in society. Veena has enormous experience and knows how to address people's problems. *Derick Anil*, a long-time social activist working on environmental justice, beedi workers, landless laborers and many other issues, is contesting *Hebbala Ward-21*. “I believe in transparent governance, people's right to information, electoral reforms,” he says. “I have realized the need for an alternative politics to make these things happen.” Whether or not he is elected, he is committed to working for the overall development of Bangalore City, with people's participation, and making sure that every citizen has an equal share in the fruits of development. With respect to Hebbala Ward especially, he is determined to work for the fair distribution of water, waste management, and the basic needs of the poor. Our candidates will represent people's voices and concerns in the BBMP Council. Our candidates will not loot people's money. Our candidates are committed to true democracy – governance of the people, by the people and for the people. *Your role* You have a critical role to play in the coming elections. You must elect those representatives who will work full-time – not just in their spare time – to respond to your concerns about local problems in your area. It is your responsibility to reject the parties who will try to buy your vote with money or liquor. You must believe that change is possible, and that honest, clean and committed representatives can make a difference. Please use your opportunity carefully. We also ask for your support: Raise your voices in support of us. Campaign for us. Raise money. Even just one rupee. We will account for every paisa we receive. Please send/deposit your donations *for PRV* in *SB Account 0425101049093 at Canara Bank, Hebbal, Bellary Road, Bangalore - 560024* (A joint account operated by any 2 of our 3 active PRV members - Elavarthi Manohar, Derick Anil and Veena) Please send/deposit your donations *for Veena* *S.* in *SB Account 1174101020634 at Canara Bank, Magadi Road, Bangalore - 560023* Please send/deposit your donations *for Derick Anil A. *in *SB Account 1202500100206401* *at Karnataka Bank Ltd., RT Nagara, Bangalore-560032* Please send details of your donation (name, address, amount, deposit details) by email/post. Please send your cheques/DDs to us by post. Our contact details are mentioned below. We look forward to your participation, support and solidarity *Elavarthi Manohar, Venkatesh B T, Yashodha P* *Coordinators – Praja Rajakiya Vedike* *Praja Rajakiya Vedike* *43, 3**rd** Cross, Link Road, Malleswaram, Bangalore – 560003* *Mobile: 9480974109 (E Manohar), 9845587502 (P Yashodha), 9448055465 (B T Venkatesh)* *Email: **[email protected]** Web: **http://openrun.net/prv/* -- http://manoharban.wordpress.com/ -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Green Youth Movement" group. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB.
