Lok Satta party national president Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, today, welcomed the Allahabad High Court's initiative in prohibiting caste-based political rallies.
In a media statement, Dr. JP hoped that the High Court's notice to all major political parties in UP will eventually lead to a broad consensus among political parties on putting an end to mobilization of caste and sectional groups for political purposes.
Dr. JP pointed out that the primary duty of political parties is to promote harmony in the society by reconciling interests of all groups.
"But, there has been an increasing tendency among most parties to appeal to an individual's identity based on his/her caste, religin or regional inclination. This is undoubtedly detrimental to harmony in the society and to the nation's unity and integrity," said Jayaprakash
Dr. JP said that Article 19 of the Constitution gives clear powers to the legislature and the government to regulate peaceful assembly and demonstrations in the interests of the nation's integrity and of preserving public order.
He also pointed out that the Article 51 (A) outlines the citizens? duties, which include respecting the Constitution, cherishing and following the noble ideals of the freedom struggle, and promoting harmony and brotherhood among all communities and groups.
"Therefore, any effort to regulate or prevent demonstrations by caste-based groups is perfectly legitimate and constitutional," concluded Jayaprakash Narayan. (INN)
filed in:Lok Satta Party, Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, Rallies, Caste