PRAJA RAJAKIYA VEDIKE

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.