GUNTUR: Apart from conducting training classes under `Prajarajyam' for candidates contesting the coming panchayat elections, Lok Satta will also undertake campaign for candidates in their respective places, according to its State unit secretary Bandaru Rammohan Rao.

Participating in the `Prajarajyam' training programme for resource persons held here on Sunday, he told reporters that this was aimed at ushering in a new political culture by encouraging new leadership.

New political culture

"Today's politics revolved around power and not around people and their problems. Because of this, many people are averse to politics and many do not utilise their voting right," he said.

Time had come to bring in a new political culture by encouraging honest, efficient and visionary political leaders, Mr. Rao observed. The Lok Satta laid down conditions that the candidate should not indulge in unethical means of winning the elections by offering arrack, money or threatening the voters. They were also asked to prepare a development plan for their respective villages.

Candidates who agreed to these conditions were selected for the training programme. After the training, Lok Satta would support his candidature and campaign on his behalf. Some 1,200 resource persons across 23 districts in the State were given necessary training. Another 300 master trainers were also given training, and the training for the contesting candidates would start in a few days, he said.

An audiocassette with six songs was released recently, which was to be used in the campaign. Pamphlets, wall posters and video clippings would also be prepared and released in a few days, said Mr. Rao.

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