NGOs vow full support to Mallika Sarabhai

Non-governmental organisations of the city have collectively organised a youth convention in support of Mallika Sarabhai’s candidature as an independent from the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency in opposition to Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate, LK Advani.

Over 300 young delegates of Aman Samuday, Aman Biradari, Lok Kala Manch, Sanchetana and other non-governmental organizations took part in the convention held at Juhapura on Sunday.

The speakers, comprising experts strongly condemned and rejected the divisive political strategy which uses religion as a tool to divide citizens.  Issues related to constitutional and democratic rights were also discussed.

“Mallika Sarabhai and LK Advani showcase two very different visions of India, in this elections” said noted social activist, Shabnam Hashmi. “On one hand we have a person who is deeply rooted in democratic and secular ethos; while on the flip side we have an ardent proponent of hate ideology and divisive politics,” Hashmi said, while singing paeans about Mallika Sarabhai’s ideologies and lambasting BJP aka Advani.

Towards the end of the convention, a 10-day door-to-door campaign was flagged off. More than 50 volunteers will knock on individual voters’ doors to request them, especially the women, to vote for the secular and democratic candidate.