The Socialist Party has decided to field Dr. Prem Singh as its candidate from East Delhi parliamentary constituency in the coming Lok Sabha election. Dr. Prem Singh, general secretary of the party, is not new to this constituency. He has contested the Lok Sabha election from East Delhi as an independent socialist candidate in 2009 and made a good impact by his speeches, pro-Constitution manifesto and austere election campaign. Dr. Singh, a professor of Hindi in Delhi University and a former fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, has been active in the socialist movement for over the 4 decades after joining Delhi University as a student. He has been fighting for the cause of the deprived sections – Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, women, minorities, farmers, labourers, artisans, small traders etc. – earlier as a member of the Samajwadi Jan Parishad and presently as the general secretary of the Socialist Party. He works hard in Delhi and other parts of the country to pursue this struggle.
He has written several books and articles on contemporary political, social, cultural, educational issues from Gandhian and Lohian perspective. Simultaneously he is a staunch adherent of socialist, secular and democratic values enshrined in the Constitution. His consistent struggle against capitalist-communal nexus is well known. He has been on the forefront in the struggles made for the civil liberties and human rights. He has a great deal of influence, by his writings and activism, on the youth inspiring them truly towards egalitarian and secular doctrines.
I have issued this statement to seek the support for Dr. Prem Singh from political parties, social organizations and individuals committed to socialism and secularism. I particularly appeal to the senior guards in the civil society, intellectuals, writers, journalists, professionals and activists, who believe that politics, parliamentary democracy and governance are a serious business, to garner support for him. I am hopeful that the media will give him attention. The Socialist Party has no funds to put hoardings, banners, flags, posters and to hold big public meetings/rallies to make the election of its candidates visible in the spectacle created by huge spending. I am also hopeful that the youth, particularly students of DU, JNU, Jamia and IP will work hard to make him win.
I am of the firm opinion that Dr. Prem Singh, having vast experience and commitment, would be able to deliver good services to the nation as a member of the Parliament.
Justice Rajindar Sachar
Senior member and special invitee to the national executive, Socialist Party (India)
WHAT ABOUT THE CANDIDATES FOR THE REST OF THE CONSTITUENCIES PROPOSED TO BE CONTESTED?