Thinking beyond party politics

NAGPUR: When it comes to the Indian political system, ideologies and rivalries run high. Candidates are ready to do anything for the valuable 'chair'. But along with the changing times, the face of the politicos seems to be changing as well.
The Youth Forum is an informal gathering of 45 young MLAs which is a lively endeavour for bringing about a change with some out-of-the-box thinking.Young MLAs from different parties get together once in every session and discuss different issues in an informal way.
MNS' Ram Kadam, from Ghatkokpar (West) in Mumbai, feels that this forum will help the members make a difference in the society in their own way. "Most of the MLAs in this forum come from well-off families. For them, money is not the issue. Through this forum, we share our working style and interact like friends. Each one of us is energetic, enthusiastic and striving to do something for the society. The forum encourages us and serves as a good platform to express ourselves among our peers."
"There is a forum meet at some MLA's residence every 2 months or so. During this meet, we discuss how the problems in our constituency can be solved," said Yashomati Thakur who is from Tiwsa in Amravati. "We also try to work out ways to encourage young people to join politics. Presently, we are attached to a UN commonwealth program where we guide students who wish to join politics. It is necessary to nurture leaders from among the youth."
During the winter session which ended on Thursday, finance minister and MLA from the city, Rajendra Mulak hosted the event where the young leaders had a brainstorming session.
"This forum helps us understand the system better," says Krishna Hegde of the Congress, who is from Vile Parle in Mumbai. "This is the first term for many of the MLAs in the forum. We are yet to understand the system completely. By sharing our experiences, it enables us to gain a unique perspective of the political structure. The MLAs who are a part of the forum are between 25 to 40 years old, so in a way, we represent the youth of the state."
"In every meeting, we hold a small segment we fondly call 'Pravaas'. Here, one MLA tells the others about his journey to the MLA seat. This time, it was Bachchu Kadu's turn," added Hegde.
"It felt wonderful to share my journey with the forum," says Bachchu Kadu, an Independent from Achalpur in Amravati. "Though we are from different parties, all are good friends … people who are willing to listen to my views and experiences. There are some MLAs who have worked quite hard to get to the position they are in. It's fascinating to hear their 'Pravaas'."
"Three MLAs namely Rajendra Mulak, Bunti Patil and Varsha Gaikwad, who now hold ministerial positions in the house, were felicitated during the last meet," said Hegde. "It is necessary to understand that every area in the state faces a different problem. There is a vast difference between rural and urban issues. In the forum, the members discuss issues in their areas which help us to gain an insight of the whole state."