Political parties must be brought under RTI Act: JP

Loksatta founder-president Jayaprakash Narayan has said the political parties, which were forums for the people to participate in politics, have to come under Right To Information (RTI) Act.

Speaking to the media here on Tuesday, JP condemned the Centre’s argument not to bring political parties under RTI Act. He said the BJP, which argued in favour of RTI Act till the last general elections, has changed its stand after coming to power. “It is nothing but undemocratic on the part of BJP”, he said.

Reminding that normal life came to a standstill many times due to their bandh calls, JP said it was not possible for any party to try to rule single-handedly and every political party has to vie for power. There was no need for political parties to have inner discussions on selection of candidates, but there was a need to make public about the decisions and the base for the selection of the candidates, he said, adding there was no need to furnish the information to the persons who seek information with bad motives but there was a need to bring the political parties under RTI Act with some conditions. (NSS)