HYDERABAD: "The Polavaram project will not benefit adivasis in the area but only boost the incomes of the corporates," said social activist Medha Patkar. Speaking to reporters at the launch of a three-day Lokshakti Abhiyan Yatra here on Monday, the national convener of the National Alliance for People's Movement said, "The public outcry to the litany of scams and wrongdoings by politicians in the Parliament have shown the desire of people for systemic change in the state." She added the increase in injustice and inequality can be attributed to the fact that politicians are interested only in their own benefit.
A 25-member team, consisting of social and human rights activists, will visit districts of Hyderabad, Medak, East Godavari, West Godavari and Khammam and interact with public on local issues apart from the campaign against corruption, as part of the threeday yatra. The social activist said the Lokshakti Abhiyan Yatra will be conducted in 17 states across the country till March. Patkar appealed to public to participate in the yatra for social justice to the poorest sections.
"Instead of 33 percent reservation for women in the Parliament, let there be representation of both sexes in 1:1 ratio at every level of governance. There should be an end to forced displacement of people from their land," the founder of the Narmada Bachao Andolan said.