Progressive groups come together for ‘political alternative’

A cluster of progressive groups have come together to launch a movement against “corporatisation, communalisation and corruption” in Karnataka.

“It is an experiment to offer a political alternative. Youth, especially students, will be in the forefront of this movement, and leaders of all these organisations will support them,” said ,writer Devanuru Mahadeva of the Karnataka Sarvodaya Paksha, who is part of the umbrella group.

Expressing regret over the recent political developments, including “money bag” in politics in the recently-concluded polls to the Rajya Sabha from the Legislative Council, the writer said: “An auction kind of poll is a disgrace to democracy.”

The progressive groups that have come together include Jana Sangrama Parishat, Karnataka Sarvodaya Paksha, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, Dalit organisations, Swaraj Abhiyan, Samaj Parivarthana Samudaya, Karnataka Jana Shakti, Samanategagi Andolana, Karnataka Swaraj Paksha, and organisations representing tribal community, women and environmental groups.

Raghavendra Kushtagi of the parishat said two rounds of discussions had already been completed and a two-day convention of progressive forces will be held at Vidyavardhaka Sangha in Dharwad on July 9 and 10. It will be attended by Yogendra Yadav of Swaraj Abhiyan, noted jurist Prashant Bhushan, and former Finance Secretary S.P. Shukla, among others.

Youth, especially students, will be in the forefront of this movement, and leaders of all the organisations will support them

Devanuru Mahadeva

Writer