Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051207300300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Kurnool

Lok Satta to train aspirants contesting panchayat polls

Staff Reporter

25,000 prospective contestants to be covered under the campaign

The candidates will take a vow not to lure voters with liquor or money

KURNOOL: The Lok Satta will enter the electoral campaign for the first time in the local bodies election in a few weeks. However, representatives of the body will appeal to voters to vote for those who honoured the Lok Satta agenda.

Lok Satta launched the "Praja Rajyam" (people's rule) programme in the State a few months ago as part of its campaign in the panchayat elections. Lok Satta trained 1,200 trainers across the State, who, in turn, would train around 25,000 prospective contestants in the next election.

Lok Satta was administering a vow to the participants that they would not indulge in electoral malpractices such as distribution of money or liquor to lure voters. Lok Satta was motivating the new generation leaders to the fact that infrastructure was not the ultimate development as school buildings and anganwadi centres failed to achieve quality education.

The contestants were asked to promise villages without stench, mosquitoes, houseflies and supply of tested water, effective delivery of health and education mechanisms. Also, Lok Satta promised transparency of the proceedings of gram sabhas.

Plea to public

Somasundaram, member of State Coordination Committee of Lok Satta, who was here to attend a training programme for Jana Vignana Vedika activists, said Lok Satta would not promote any individual contestant but ask the voters to support those who honour the agenda framed by the Lok Satta.

Also, United Friendship Forum with five constituents was constituted to campaign for the People's Rule movement.