Independent India adopted democratic system. This developed and evolved in 200 years’ of British rule. Political party is soul of this system which aims to capture political power while struggling for its principles and objectives. Thus the character of the government will be according to party’s objectives. Modern democracy was developed in western countries and hence elements of political parties should be as of western countries. If it is not possible then we have to look for alternative system to govern ourselves but that will be futile exercise.

Elections play most important role in shaping and determining the Govt. Here it is pertinent to examine whether elections are conducted as per constitution and the agenda of the parties. The caste institution in our society is very effective which is not the phenomenon in western countries. In such circumstances, can we reap the fruits of the system which we adopted. The main objectives of Indian Justice Party (IJP) are compulsory and equal education, casteless society and employment to each? Economic exploitation is also a big factor and all these do not allow the true realization of democracy.

When India is passing through social and caste discrimination, economic crisis, unemployment, communalism and lack of basic needs, a party of substance and difference is needed which acknowledges and addresses the problems of social and economic deprivation. Meaning of ‘Justice’ doesn’t need to be further defined and IJP is committed to give justice to all those who have been or being denied.

Politics is reflection of the society. If casteism, regionalism and communalism are part of society, they will go in to politics also. Politcs are around problems and ideology in democracy. Those who are born and die in discriminatory environment, how is it possible for them to have different mindset? During elections, this mindset takes precedence over development, science, honesty, integrity etc.. Though political parties aim to capture political power but they are equally responsible to fight out social discrimination while making it important agenda. Till ideal situation is attained, it will not be possible to capture political power through agenda like development, education, health etc.. Recently French Govt. banned students from wearing religious symbols in schools and similarly we also have to take hard decisions to do away with vestigial institutions like caste. Due to increasing consciousness among Dalits and Backwards, they are also striving to have participation in political power and it is leading to a situation where elections are being fought more between the castes than parties. Earlier, dominant castes used to fight elections mainly and now backwards have also started contesting and a day will come erstwhile dominant castes will be out of power owing to their smaller number. For all of us it is essential to remove rotten values and social system.

Gap between rich and poor is wider in our country. Besides historical reason, there are many reasons which are producing poverty. Till sometimes back, it was considered that Govts. are morally bound to provide education, health, employment and other basic needs. Due to globalization and privatization, it is now being debated that the Govts. are not suppose to do business and provide employment but are for maintenance of law and order and foreign policy etc.. This is happening because of weakening of communist and socialist movements all over the world. Dr. Ambedkar was for nationalization of land but Dalits have forgotten this economic agenda. Our party stands for providing job for each including other basic needs.

Dalits have been exploited for millennia. No society or country can make the requisite progress while depriving such large number of people of dignity and respect. A country is an extended version of a family, if a family member is half fed or sick, peace and happiness will not come to it and similarly deprivation of Dalits has cost and is costing India dear. Dalits have made a little progress in Govt. jobs and politics due to reservation but in other fields like industry, market, profession, media, hi-tech, art & culture, stock exchange, they are yet to begin. IJP is committed to fight for their participation in all important areas so that they can join the main stream of the nation. Like in America, reservation should be extended to them in private sector here also.

The Bahujan Samaj Party mustered enough notes and votes from Dalits but gave nothing in return. We paid to Dalits without getting all these kinds of help. When five anti-reservation orders were issued in 1997, the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations was formed under my leadership. Our continuous struggle helped in withdrawing three orders. We have built enough pressure on national parties like BJP and Congress to concede in theory the demands of reservation in private sector. Dr. Ambedkar’s plank to establish casteless society through Buddhism was implemented in 2001 when lacks of Dalits embraced Buddhism. If without having political party we have given so much to the society then think how much can be done once we have political representatives in Parliament and Assemblies. Dr. Ambedkar was alone elected to Parliament and he did so much compared to 14 MPs of BSP in 13th Lok Sabha. BSP’s MPs never struggled and voiced on the floor any of the issues like privatization of PSUs, education and dilution of reservation etc.. In fact, it is a matter of intention, BSP knows how to take and we know how to give. Interests of Dalits, minorities, most backwards will be protected when Indian Justice Party will come to power. They constitute 70% of the population. If we discuss about the participation of 70% people in the power, it doesn’t mean that we are practicing casteism and communalism; rather every body should join this campaign in the interest of the country.

Tribals have escaped from caste discrimination but are the worst victims of economic poverty. They have been traditionally fed on the roots and shoots and other available natural resources but this also has declined. With increasing pace of industrialization and urbanization there is no alternative left except to integrate them into the main stream of the nation. Though they had been provided reservation but most backward tirbals have been hardly benefited. Sangh Parivar is busy in Hinduising them but not bothered about their economic and educational upliftment. While implementing reservation and providing other safeguards, it must be kept in mind to ensure their proper participation in important areas.

Being in minority should not be a curse in democracy, yet in a country like ours, majority pocket the main benefits. BJP and Sangh Parivar have missutilized the presence of Muslims while continuously propagating that Muslims had unleashed brutality in past and that other parties are appeasing them. Christians have introduced and cultivated science, engineering and modern education but are becoming subject to persecution on day to day basis in the name of conversion. Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists have not been given status of being separate religious groups, this shows the plight of minorities. Muslims and Dalit Christians are worst sufferers and hence priority should be given to ensure health, education and jobs to them. Muslims are very small in Govt. jobs and police and they should be ensured participation according to their population in such areas. During communal riots, they do not face the wrath of majority only but also of police and paramilitary forces; therefore it is must to ensure reservation in police and paramilitary forces.

Muslims feel that they can buy their protection by keeping BJP out of power. Congress had ruled over 40 years at the center and northern states but why horrendous communalism broke out in its time be it Aligarh, Moradabad, Kanpur or Meerut etc.. BJP ruled centre and UP at the same time but no major communal riots took place, is it because Sangh Parivar and BJP have become friendly with Muslims? Certainly not. They should look for their security by allying with their natural friends like Dalits. It is not the Congress or so called alternative secular parties who can bury communalism but right consciousness among Dalits. Increasing consciousness among Dalits in north India has almost settled this issue and Indian Justice Party will definitely finish it forever. Wherever awareness has not come Dalits, communal forces are instigating them to fight against Muslims, this again proves that Dalit - Muslim unity can only ensure communal harmony.

Backward castes population is more than any other group but they are a most divided lot. The recommendations of Mandal Commission were implemented because of Dalit struggle but divided and unaware backwards could not even use the benefits. Thus the saga of most backwards castes is really deplorable. A fresh look is needed to ensure the benefits to them of reservation and other safeguards.

Women are the worst sufferers in this social economic setup. Even able women are not in a position to get the returns they deserve. Since childhood, they are taught that they belong to their in-laws’ house and their salvation lies in surrendering to their husbands. Kanyadan means what? except to donate a human being. Commodities are donated. This generates that mindset, consciously or subconsciously, that women are meant for enjoyment and progeny. This must be attacked otherwise even women will not come forward to ask for their rights. Dowry, rape and torture are the by product of this mentality. In present times, Muslim women are the worst sufferers due to increasing fundamental tendency. Where progress has become possible, participation of women in various fields was and is higher. Not only for the sake of humanity but also for overall growth of the nation, women will have to be integrated into social, educational and political system. Through various cultural fora like cinema etc. women are projected as beautiful objects and epitomes of purity but not certainly meant to compete with men. This complex problem is not going to be tackled merely by governmental efforts; therefore political parties also share the great social responsibilities.

Farmers and peasants do not get the return of what they toil far. The prices of their produce like wheat, paddy, vegetables etc. have not increased to the extent of commodities like soap, cosmetics, steel and other articles manufactured in industries. In places like Mumbai and Delhi, small shops can have turn over of millions and billions but farmer owning hundred acres of land can not afford to lead the life a small businessman and government servant can do? World Bank and developed countries are exerting continuous pressure on our Govts. that they should reduce the subsidies on fertilizers, pesticides and seeds etc. whereas they pamper their farmers like anything, i.e., a farmer is given Rs. 400 per day to maintain a cow in England. Switch on the television or open pages of news papers, you will find news about stock exchange but what about farmers and crops. Equity and shares do not have more than 10% value of country’s assets. Why BJP has hastened to hold election prematurely because good rain fall has brought prosperity. Good rain has helped farmers to grow more crops. Which is more important - stock exchange or agriculture? When there is drought, sensex at stock exchange falls. Indian Justice Party believes that justice has not come to the farmers and to secure it, agricultural products must get their due price and subsidies, if required, be increased. Computerization, mobile revolution, hi-tech have benefited a few living in urban cities and this can not be yardstick to measure the progress of farmers and labourers. IJP will strive to modernize rural India as well so that the children of rural areas also avail the same opportunities. Till this is done, we will not concede the so called achievements in computerization and hi-tech etc.

Sometime back Govt. used to be sensitive towards worker’s problems but now it supports retrenchment, VRS, CRS including curtailments of various facilities hither - to available. Whatever production was done by thousands of labourers in the past, now it is being done by few labourers so that the profits of businessman go up. IJP does not oppose hi-tech and mechanization but is in favour of those industries and services who absorb more people. These days businessmen are employing labourers on contract basis and this has unleashed more exploitation. Recently, Supreme Court pronounced a judgment which curtails the freedom of agitation and struggle of employees and labourers. The higher judiciary is favouring disinvestment and privatization which is precipitating further exploitation of workers. We feel that exploitation by industrialists and businessman should be curbed.

About 65% population living in rural India is landless and Dalits’ ratio is even higher. In developed countries like Japan and Europe about 40 % rural population does not depend on agriculture but derive their subsistence from agro based industries, cottage industries and soil conservation activities etc.. We have ample opportunities to go for mass scale agro based industries which will not only provide employment but also stop migration to urban areas.

After independence what was needed was to educate each citizen on compulsory basis. An educated person can take care of many things like due rights and privileges available to him, education of children, population, self employment, health and other basic needs. He will not look to the Govt. for each and everything. At present, the policy of Govt. is to encourage illiteracy and bad quality of education for majority by promoting the privatization of education. The Govt. schools are in existence for formality sake and children of poor and Dalits can not afford costly education in private schools. IJP stands for compulsory and equal education even at the cost of other welfare schemes and developmental expenditure etc.. Cuba is a small country but has a system to provide free education from the beginning to PhD., why can’t a country like India have it? If all countrymen are educated, many of problems like communalism, untouchability, fatalism etc. will be addressed themselves. Govts. are running multiple schemes like adult education, eradication of polio and population control but has not yielded results as envisaged. Educated man will himself try to take care of such problems. If everyone is educated, dependence on Govt. will come down and little efforts will produce more results. This failure is attributed to those who do not want the progress of country and every citizen.

If any institution has declined that is judiciary. For a few rupees, warrants are being secured against President of India and Chief Justice of India and one can measure the height of corrupting prevailing in it. Disputes and cases initiated in the life time of grandfathers are being disposed of in the life time of grand children, is it the delivery of justice? Nepotism and corruption are dominating the judiciary. There are no criteria to appoint judges - whether they are honest, capable, socially sensitive and impartial. What can one expect from such judges? Indian Justice Party demands to set up a commission consisting of Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, President of India, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Chief Justice of India, one member each from Dalit, Minority and Backwards. The appointment of judges will be through this commission. At present, the judiciary is full of caste prejudices. The Commission should be also empowered to monitor the judgments delivered by Judges. Who so ever he or she may be, can not completely be divorced from the feelings, thoughts and habits which have been inherited in caste ridden society. Therefore plural hands and representation is the only check to curb corruption and prejudices. IJP will strive for reservation for Dalits in higher judiciary.

In the age of computers and hi-tech, agricultural sector is bound to shrink. This will have adverse impact on employment opportunities also. In countries like Japan and Singapore, agricultural land is hardly available yet they have made phenomenal progress. Rural people come to the cities precisely for jobs. Despite India being an agriculture based country, it has minimum agro based industries. There is ample scope to setup agro based industries which will ensure job opportunities and higher export. Sometime back incentives were given to setup industries in far flung and backward areas but were misused. Such incentives should continue but with strict monitoring.

People in general are disgusted with politics and opinion has been formed that it is the refuge of bad people. If such opinions prevail in developed countries, one can understand because basic needs of people there are fulfilled. In countries like ours, Govt. has to play a very significant leveller’s role. Very few people expect some thing from the Govt. in developed countries but on the contrary large number of people are dependent on Govt. support in India. The gap between rich and poor is so vast that it is Govt. only which can be big catalyst in bridging it. Lot many communities and castes are exploited and are backward and it is political power which can secure justice to them. Those who dislike politics, they should not expect good law and order, roads, power, education, health from the Govt. because these basic needs are provided by Govt.. Whenever there is unpleasant happening, one remembers Govt. and politicians. This tendency must be discouraged, otherwise it will lead us no where . From various plat fora like cinema etc. politics is projected as worst thing to do but it is very dangerous for democracy. Those who have such opinions, should come forward and contribute directly or indirectly to oust bad elements from the politics rather than become irresponsible and inactive.

Had our foreign policy been on the right track, friendly countries would have not become hostile to us. Because of India’s efforts, Bangladesh is in existence today but due to improper foreign policy, Bangladesh seems to stand on the side of opponent countries. Before NDA Govt., our foreign policy was somewhat balanced but now it is toeing the line of USA and losing independence. The WTO, IMF and developed countries are imposing lots of restrictions and conditions against our interests but mere 2% out-sourcing of computer and internet jobs was made a big issue in America. Isn’t it the failure of our foreign policy? Foreign policies of developed countries are so successful that even small favour we are not in position to garner. Infiltrators embarked in Kargil and we did not come to know till it was too late. Due to this blunder, immense amount of money was wasted including human lives. If India had not under-gone or was not under-going undeclared caste war, it would have become super power and foreign policy would have been at its very best.

Priority shall be given to prepare assembly and Lok Sabha level organizations and bodies. Wherever it is not possible to form permanent body, begin the work with convenor or temporary assignments. General features of committee and bodies of IJP are similar to other organizations - like one president, two or three vise presidents, one or two General Secretaries and organizing secretaries according to need. After that, district committees should be formed or both can be done at the same time. Formation of state committees is also essential. If no one is available who can be given directly state level responsibilities; instead selection for temporary posts should go on. Sometimes if a person is not competent to become state convenor or president or General Secretary, he can be picked up for other post to gear up the state unit. It should be borne in mind that only appropriate people should be chosen for the posts at various levels. One should be careful that all important posts should not be exhausted and filled at initial stage otherwise it will be difficult to accommodate effective and better people in future.

Membership is issued by head office only. Wherever state committees have started functioning, the forms will be sent to them and after that, district and block units will get them issued from there. Fee for ordinary membership is Rs. 5 and for active membership, it is Rs. 100.

The flag is blue at top and red below. Unless party secures specific percentage of votes in election, symbol can not be registered in the name of the party. However in front of independent candidates, symbol asked by Party candidates will get priority since our party is registered with Election Commission of India.

- Udit Raj

National President - Indian Justice Party