‘Political parties and people’s organisations must continue dialogue’ 

Progressive political parties and grassroots organizations discuss power dynamics, oppression, and democracy at NAPM event.

How do political parties in the Opposition, that are considered to have progressive ideas and have walked hand in hand with people’s organisations, behave when they occupy power? What should be the equation between them to achieve people’s goals.

These were some of the questions that emerged at the National Alliance of People’s Movements’ fourth day event held here on Tuesday.

The panel comprising leaders of various political parties and grassroots organisations discussed politics around agrarian policies, oppression, authoritarianism, development, Constitution and democracy, and their role in defending them.

According to Kusumam Joseph, NAPM leader from Kerala, even the Left Democratic Front in Kerala, which is considered progressive, has been keeping people in the dark about important projects. Protests are stifled, FIRs are filed arbitrarily against activists, and the government has been anti-tribal and anti-minorities, she said.

Referring to an incident on Monday, when activist Medha Patkar was asked by the Hyderabad police to return from a locality affected by the Musi Riverfront development project, AICC in-charge (Telangana) Meenakshi Natarajan said a progressive political party must not ask citizens to take permission before visiting an area.

“Workers of political party think power is given to them by top leaders, they have forgotten that they take real power from people and people’s movements. Real politics is about working for social and economic change,” she said, identifying herself as a Sarvodaya karyakarta.

On pending promises and issues in Telangana, Ms. Natarajan said she will have a regular dialogue with people’s organisations and explore possible solutions with the State government.