Sagayam says no to electoral politics

Madurai: Reacting to the call by several youth and social organisations urging him to enter politics, the senior IAS officer U. Sagayam made it clear that change needn't be brought in only through electoral politics.

In a video clipping uploaded in 'I Support U.Sagayam IAS' page in facebook on Republic Day, Sagayam ur-ged the youth to devote their energy and spirit to bring in social change in Tamil society, which by itself will change the TN’s polity.

While expressing his solidarity with the youth in bringing social transformation for the betterment of famers and marginalised communities in Tamil Nadu, Sagayam categorically told them to work within the legal framework of the country.

“For the last two months thousand of youth have been various organising rallies and meeting in various parts of the state urging me to enter politics. This not only shows your confidence in me, but your love for Tamil people,” he observed.

“But you all need to understand that politics is part of the society. In today's context, corruption has plagued the entire society, so to bring political change we should start from the society,” Sagayam said while elaborating on his political vision.

The youth should use their energy and knowledge to make the Tamil society corruption free, and to install honesty in the minds of people, he said. To start with, the youth can help the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections in Tamil Nadu.

“You all should organise awareness rally and educate the people not to accept bribes from political parties and to vote for non-corrupt politicians in the forthcoming election,” he said.

Listing out other areas the youth should focus on consistently to bring about social transformation, Sagayam said that they should first work for the empowerment of farmers, who were living in acute poverty and disillusionment.

The youth should safeguard the water bodies and rivers which are the lifeline for farmers. Similarly, the youth also should work for the betterment of the marginalised communities, differently abled people and transgenders.

They should also give priority to increase the green cover and safeguard natural resources against exploitation and to involve themselves in anti-corruption activities, he said.

Welcoming this, Syed Omer Muckthar, general secretary of Ilakku, a Tirchy based NGO, which organsied various meetings to try and induct Sagayam into politics, said, “His message will bring unity and focus among various youth groups to work only for the betterment of Tamil society. As a first step, we will campaign to elect corrupt free politician in the election,” he said.

“As Sagayam Sir has openly declared to guide us in our activities, we also work with confidence,” he said.