Lucknow: A significant meeting of political, social, and cultural activists, along with concerned citizens, was held in Lucknow to discuss the agenda “Change the Narrative, Change Politics” in Uttar Pradesh. The meeting emphasized the need to challenge the authoritarian government in the state and create a democratic political alternative by reshaping the political discourse and agenda.
The two-session meeting was chaired by Professor Anand Kumar and S. R. Darapuri. AIPF founder Akhilendra Pratap Singh presented a discussion paper, which sparked an in-depth debate throughout the day. It was unanimously decided to launch a statewide campaign focused on employment and social rights. Notably, this campaign is already being conducted in districts like Chandauli, Sonbhadra, Prayagraj, Shamli, Sitapur, and Lakhimpur. In Gorakhpur, it is being led by Ambedkar Jan Morcha President Shravan Kumar Nirala.
Key issues to be addressed in this campaign include employment, agriculture, prevention of capital flight from the state, empowerment and adequate representation of marginalized communities, education, healthcare, and environmental protection. Participants agreed that these should not be seen merely as economic demands but as policy-driven issues that challenge the current political-economic direction. The existing economic policies, which have strengthened corporate and Hindutva forces, need to be countered through an alternative political economy that prioritizes social justice and economic sovereignty. Only by building politics on the foundation of equality, solidarity, and economic independence can democracy be safeguarded against authoritarian rule.
The meeting highlighted that Uttar Pradesh is at a critical juncture, where the ruling party has failed to address the economic and social crises affecting the common people. A broad-based democratic initiative is urgently needed to unite political groups, social organizations, and citizens in the struggle for employment rights, economic justice, and democratic governance. It was decided that apart from RSS-BJP and their affiliated organizations, members from any political group, people’s organization, or individual citizens can join this initiative.
A 25-member Presidium was formed to lead the Employment and Social Rights Dialogue Campaign, with S. R. Darapuri as the head and Alok Singh as his deputy. An advisory panel was also established, which will discuss key policy matters such as the Justice Rohini Commission report on the representation of Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and the removal of the creamy layer provision for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Cultural activist Rakesh Veda stressed that old slogans and traditional protest methods are inadequate for tackling modern-day challenges, and there is a need to explore new strategies. The meeting was conducted by Dr. Ram Prakash Gautam and Usha Vishwakarma.
Several notable individuals shared their views, including former DIOS Shiv Chand Ram, former ACMO Dr. B. R. Gautam, Gandhian activist Satyendra Singh, Rajesh Sachan, Raghavendra Kumar, Dr. Brij Bihari, Dinakar Kapoor, Tilakdhari Bind, Ajay Rai, Savita Gond, Kripa Shankar Panika, Pooja Pandey, Imran Raja, National Coolie Morcha leader Ram Suresh Yadav, Engineers Durga Prasad and Ramkrishna Baiga, Ram Bhavan Ram, Dr. Malkhan Singh, Surendra Pandey, Naumi Lal, Arjun Prasad, Ram Shankar, Shailendra Dhurve, Pooja Vishwakarma, and Govind Singh.
The campaign aims to challenge the existing political framework and establish a new people-centric agenda that prioritizes social and economic rights over corporate interests.
