Smart Party
The Smart Party is a Gujarat, India based political party, founded in 2017 by Abhishek Kumar to end the prohibition of alcohol in Gujarat.[1] It will be contesting the assembly election of Gujarat in November, 2017 from all 182 constituencies. It was announced by Rahul Sharma, ex-Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Gujarat cadre, who became a practising lawyer with Gujarat High Court, that he along with some of his friends will launch a new political party called the Smart Party to contest in the upcoming assembly elections.[2]
Aims
The Smart Party wants to legalise alcohol sales and production in Gujarat. It will be contesting the upcoming Gujarat elections in 2017. It argues on its website that this will ensure that criminals can't make money off the import, nor make money off the illegal sale of alcohol. The money that the state makes off the sale of legalized alcohol shall be used on welfare benefits, instead of criminals taking advantage of prohibition. According to them, this is a great way to take a stand against criminal gangs, decriminalize already existing Gujarati consumption of alcohol and to ensure that there aren't any dangerous chemicals added to the liquor available.[3]
The revenue generated through the legal sale of alcohol is proposed to be utilized for providing financial aid for up to Rs. 5000 per month to all students enrolled in any course/degree after higher secondary studies on its webpage. According to them, this will provide financial freedom and accountability to students, ease the burden of costs on families and increase enrolment and graduation rates.[3]
Values
The Smart Party takes a very holistic approach and lists 3 core values:
- Happiness and Joy: that all humans pursue happiness and it is important to protect the freedom of all citizens to celebrate life
- Ecological wisdom: that society must maintain a balance with nature
- Knowledge: that it is important to provide equal access to knowledge to everyone[3]
Principles
The party also promises to be committed to the principles of holistic approach towards culture, access to quality education for all, equal opportunity and social justice, nonviolence, decentralization, sustainable development, gender equality and diversity.[4]
References
- "SMART PARTY". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
- "Rahul Sharma to float 'smart' political outfit".
- "ENGLISH". SMART PARTY. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
- "Smart Party".