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RPI logs stiff opposition to presidential system

The two-day convention of the Republican Party of India (Ambedkar group), held in Maharashtra's Nanded district, resolved Friday to oppose any move to adopt presidential system in India.

One of the 18 resolutions passed at the convention said parliamentary democracy was far better than presidential system as it encouraged the Dalits and other minority communities to participate in social, political and other movements.

The convention demanded the full implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations, and reservation for backward classes in private and co-operative sectors.

Further, it wanted 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures. A proportion of this, a resolution said, should be divided among the other backward classes and religious minorities.

The RPI also resolved to set up prabuddha jan panchayats, or panchayats of senior citizens, to co-ordinate between political leaders and senior members of the society.

Replying to a question, group chief Ambedkar said the 10-member presidium of the united RPI, set up in December 1995 to maintain unity among various factions, has come to an end with the convention.

UNI

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