The Welfare Party of India [WPI] in a bid to expand itself has launched its branches in two new states, Kerala and West Bengal.
WPI Vice President Lalitha Naik addressing the party launch session in Calicut
Affirming its commitment to recuperate values being vanished in the Indian democratic arena due to corruption, criminalisation and social disparities, the WPI launched its Kerala chapter at an impressive and largely attended gathering held at Tagore Centenary Hall, Calicut. Releasing the names of the newly elected office bearers of the state chapter, Dr. S Q R. Ilyas, national general secretary declared that the WPI will take the lead in reinforcing the great ideals of the nation by highlighting the issues of the people. Criminals and communal elements and those who are tainted with corruptions will have no place in the Welfare Party.
He also made it clear that the Party will not indulge in vote bank politics exploiting religion and caste. “The Party aims at establishing a Welfare State that will provide food, shelter and education for all. The assets of the Party leaders and members can be verified by any at any time,” Dr. SQR Ilyas emphasised.
Delivering his presidential address, Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan, national vice-president of the Party, said that the WPI aims at the formation of a new exploit-free India that guarantees equal opportunity and liberty to all.
In another launch of the party, in West Bengal, the members of the Party urged Mamata government to implement the poll promises made to the electorate in general and especially to the Muslims. The launch held at Mahajatisadan Hall in Kolkata, where the members strongly criticised the state government for its decision to give more licences to liquor outlets to raise revenue to fill the alleged cash-starved state left by the Left Front government. It is ironical that it comes from such a ruling combination of Trinamool and Congress boasting to be inspired by Gandhian values and principles.
The 150-member State General Council of the Party has already enrolled 14,000 members. The convention was addressed by Mujtaba Farooq (President), LalithaNaik (Vice president) Dr. SQR Ilyas, PC Hamza (General Secretaries) Dr. Raeesudheen, Shanawaz Ali Raihan, Mihir Banerjee, Abdul Rab bin Ismail and Mrs. Naeema Ansari.