JP Asks Telugu People To Live In Harmony

Lok Satta Party national president Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan on Wednesday appealed to people fighting "for and against Telangana" to remember Mahatma Gandhi's adage that "an eye for an eye makes all of us blind" and resolve to work harmoniously to find a solution.

In a message to people on Gandhi's birth anniversary, JP said that "restraint, reconciliation, responsibility and respect are the foundations of a harmonious society. That is Gandhi's way. Hating each other, using harsh language, imitating the worst features of each other - they are not Gandhi's way."

On the occasion of the birth anniversaries of Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Sastri, and the Lok Satta Party formation day, JP and the party state president Katari Srinivasa Rao unfurled the national flag and Lok Satta Party's flag, and garlanded portraits of Gandhi and Ambedkar.

JP recalled Gandhi's contention that the best way of getting justice is rendering justice to the adversary. He wondered whether our parties and leaders are practising this. "We all need to introspect - do we have the moral right to pay tribute to Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri?" he said.

He pointed out that intolerance, lies, failure to render justice to others, rousing fears and blaming others for our problems have all led to the Andhra Pradesh crisis.

"Whatever happens, we are all Telugus and Indians. Where are spiritual leaders? Where are artists and writers? Why are they silent?

"Gurus, saints, stars, writers - please speak up. Do not take sides on politics & division of the state," he said.

"All of them should remind people that we all share a language and culture, and promote harmony and reconciliation... Whatever happens, we will remain a family, and we share a common destiny. Politics should not promote hatred. Transcending politics and irrespective of the final outcome, the wise, learned and talented Telugus should spread this message," he said.

Lok Satta Party leaders D V VS Varma, Bandaru Rammohana Rao, N Saroja devi, Dosapati Ramu, E Chennaiah, P Ravimaruth and the Lok Satta Party cadre took part in the program. (INN)