The Lok Satta Party on Tuesday announced that it would not contest the forthcoming by-elections to 12 Assembly constituencies in Telangana region.
The party leadership said that the decision to not contest the by-polls was taken since the "atmosphere is not conducive to spreading its thought-provoking ideology that takes care of the interests of all."
It further advised its cadre to vote for the best candidates irrespective of party affiliations.
Talking to the media, party leaders Katari Srinivasa Rao, V Laxman Balaji and Bandaru Rammohan Rao said that the party, after wide-ranging consultations, had decided to keep off the elections for two reasons.
One is that the prevailing tense situation will not permit it to promote a healthy debate on safeguarding the interests of all sections of the people. The second is that, engaged as it is in finding a solution acceptable to all, it is not fair for the Lok Satta to contest elections taking place precisely on the bifurcation issue.
Since all parties engaged in the by-elections are either whipping up regional animosities or spreading falsehoods, the Lok Satta would advise its supporters to transcend parties and opt for candidates with integrity, commitment, and record of service.