This is an era of yatras. From corruption to politics, there is no dearth of issues. Amidst this hype and hoopla it seems Gandhi’s Talisman has lost its significance. Where is that weakest person of our society? The Ekta Parishad’s P.V Rajgopal in conversation with Shashi Shekhar a correspondent of Chauthi Duniya.
- Ø What is the objective of this Yatra?
Our demand is Comprehensive Land Reform Policy. In the name of SEZ and land acquisition, farmers have been made landless. Roads are being made and airport is expanded. Land has been given for mining. The ignorance of government to come up with appropriate land reform policy is increasing poverty. Consequently there is an increase in migration and violence.
- Ø Several people have begun their Yatra and several are in the row like Advani, Anna Hazare. How is this Yatra different from others?
At the time of independence Gandhi gave a Talisman to this country. He meant that whatever is done should be done by keeping the poorest of the poor in mind. I believe there would be a lot of Yatras and discussions over it. But our Yatra is for the poorest person of the society who is deprived of his rights and justice since 65 years. There is a lot of anger in people. Till now wherever I went people neither want to hear Gandhi nor Marx. They say that they have been deceived enough in these names. In clear words they just want justice and their fair share of land.Our movement is to impart justice to the poorest person of this society.
- Ø That means this Yatra is different from others as it is for the poorest person of the society…
There have been many yatras on several issues and now corruption is also in the row. But to provide justice to poorest person of society there must be a movement.
- Ø Did u talk to people who have already began their Yatra or about to do so? Did they contact you?
I talked to everyone. I wrote a letter to Anna that this is next phase of movement against corruption. The common men must have share in Jal jangal Zameen. Anna also agreed to raise issue of poor. I had conversation with Baba Ramdev on this issue. His book on economic revolution also points on same issue. Though our country has got political freedom however social and economic freedom is yet to be accomplished. Our movement is for the same.
- Ø Will Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev join this Yatra?
After the first phase of Anna’s movement there was a discussion that this movement should be expanded in its nature and effect. The issue of Jal Jangal Zameen will be included. An agreement was made. Theoretically all of them are together. But till December they will emphasis on Lok Pal bill. When bill will be passed in December Anna might get time.
- Ø People from Ekta Parishad have come to Delhi several times and held peaceful demonstrations. Why government has not agreed to the demands?
When we started our Yatra on 2nd October we received a letter from Prime Minister’s office stating that on 28th of October a meeting of National Land reforms council will be held. When I met Prime Minister in March with Anna Hazare, I made him remember that if you will not hold meeting of National Land reform council we will speed up the movement. But later all focus shifted to Anti Corruption movement. But I believe he will soon take substantial action.
What is message you would convey to government through this Yatra?
We want a Comprehensive Land Reform Policy. You cannot ignore by saying that land is a state’s subject as the land acquisition and SEZ are your laws. You are snatching land by central law. We want a policy. Land Reform is an unfinished task that needs to be completed as early as possible.
