Lok Satta started as an NGO for electoral and political reforms. It has contributed to bringing about significant legislations like RTI, mandatory declaration of candidates' financial and criminal history, judicial reforms, Lok Pal Bill etc, to name a few. As an NGO, Lok Satta has been closely involved in Vote Mumbai campaign as well as many other campaigns related to police reforms, greater participation of citizens in local governance (Nagar Raj Bill) etc. We learnt that shouting from outside a political system can never yield desired results, because laws are made by those in the parliament. Secondly, if we want to see good people back in politics, we need credible alternatives. Today's political parties are caught in the vicious trap of dynasty, money power and divisive agendas. A capable person with good intention is pushed down because what works is not your capability to do good, but money power, sensationalism and who you know
The only alternative was to create a new party in which members (not high commands) identify the candidates through internal elections and by creating strong barriers against illegal and black money funding (hurting our initial growth, but preventing the party to fall prey to corruption based politics)
Lok Satta has been founded by IAS Topper (1980) and ex-IAS Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan in India while Surendra Srivastava (ex-President, Great Eastern Shipping Co.) heads the party in Maharashtra. www.facebook.com/surendralsp
Many believe that good politics is not possible in India, but we are committed to let those who believe otherwise to get a platform to make the effort. Time has gone to be shy of your political preferences. It is time to step out and contribute in bringing better politics in India. We also believe that it is not enough to oppose whats wrong. Lasting solutions require a determination to find solutions and make them real. Lok Satta is not for the sloganeers, but the solution creators! The Answer to "Bad Politics" is "Good Politics" Not "No Politics" -- Dr Jayaprakash Narayan
