War veterans set up party to contest UP elections

The main agenda of the newly-formed party is to ensure safety and security of citizens. The party aims to bring into its fold the 20 lakh ex-servicemen across the country by 2008. Members of the War Veterans8217; Party say that membership is also open to war widows, wives of servicemen and anyone else who is 8220;honest and scrupulous8221; 8212; retired bureaucrats, ex-police officers, NGOs, etc.

8220;While we were in service, we were never a part of the mainstream. Once we left, we realised that we were still not a part of the mainstream. This is an attempt to be a part of it. Our main agenda is to keep people safe and prevent communal riots and terrorist activities,8221; Commodore retd B B Mistry, vice-president of the party, said on Tuesday.

8220;We are not happy with the state of affairs. We do not want parents to go through interviews to get their children into schools. We don8217;t want people to migrate for jobs. We want all-round development of people,8221; said Mistry.

The members did not contest the recent civic polls in Mumbai since they did not want to compete as independents. But now, their immediate target is the UP Assembly elections. 8220;We are planning to contest at least 50 per cent of the seats,8221; said Mistry. 8220;We are also in the process of being registered in Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi. Within a year, we hope to cover all the states,8221; he said.

8220;We have given the prime of our lives for the country and are now hoping to serve the country after retirement,8221; said Captain retd Lawrence Nathaniel.

Once through with the membership drive, the party plans to contest all elections.