IESM: Fast for Justice Rally- sixty seventh day

Date: Sunday, 22 February, 2009, 10:42 PM
Dear Colleagues,
The contingent from Karnal (Haryana) has taken charge of the Jantar Mantar venue.
ESM Gathering
Today at Gurgaon we had a luncheon gathering of the ESM who have been actively involved in the Movement. There were some 150 ESM from many States. A large number took the mike (the lunch was served past 4 pm). Following points emerged:

The Jantar Mantar venue has become the de facto IESM office and should continue to remain active.

The return of medals on 14 March should be by a very large number of ESM. The medals should reach Delhi on 13 March.

The IESM membership needs to go in overdrive– all present agreed to put in their best.

The IESM organisation to build its structure at village/block/District/ State level. It was pointed out that the IESM is like a tree that takes its sustenance and strength from the roots. The members should send names of candidates who are committed, who can devote adequate time and who have acceptability by the majority. The gathering promised to follow it up in their respective areas. This needs to be done Pan India. We hope to receive names latest by 30 April 2009.

The most important subject of discussion was the widely expressed view that we must form a political party and fight the Lok Sabha elections. There was hardly any dissenting voice. There was debate on the name to be chosen for the political platform. Some ESM who are already in politics under different political banners, wanted their existing name and platform to be used. After discussion it was left to the Core Group to choose a name and disseminate to all. It seems the die is cast.
Contact with Politicians
I had a brief meeting with the BJP President Shri Rajnath Singh today. While thanking him for his support for the OROP demand I pointed out that the wording ‘will be seriously considered’ does not inspire the required confidence among the ESM. I suggested that a firm yes/ no commitment be made and a definite timeline set for implementation. Further, the point should also be included in the NDA agenda. He gave an assurance to get this done.

Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan
Chairman IESM
One Rank One Pension- revisited: Lt Gen Raj Kadyan