The Hindu Business Line : Leading citizens form AP `Forum for Development'

IN what could be a first of its kind development in the country during the election period, over 50 leading citizens from various walks of life, mostly from the corporate houses, belonging to Andhra Pradesh have come together under the banner of `Forum for Development' with the main objective of working towards accelerated development of the State.

The key objectives of the Forum include educating the voters about the imperatives for accelerated growth and good governance, promoting unity and integrity of the State of Andhra Pradesh, striving to achieve the election of a responsible and capable government, ensuring that the elected government functions responsibly and functioning as a bridge or facilitator between the government and people, the Forum President and founder of Global Trust Bank, Mr Ramesh Gelli, said.

Addressing newspersons here on Monday, he said the Forum got further strengthened with a large number of intellectuals, eminent profess- ionals and stalwarts from different backgrounds and disciplines joining it recently.

After a thorough discussion about the impending elections and its impact on the development of the State, the Forum members arrived at a common concern as to whether the voters were able to discern among the various candidates and parties to decide on the correct options to elect a responsible government that was able to honestly work towards the betterment of the State and citizens and deliver on their promises, Mr Gelli said.

The Forum has identified certain strategies, according to its General Secretary and the Chairman of Shri Shakti Group, Mr D.V. Manohar. These strategies include arousing the conscience of people to vote for a visionary government with strong leadership, highlighting the need to collectively and unitedly accelerate the realisation of the dream of `Prosperous Andhra Pradesh,' motivating the non-voters to vote and working out methods to make the government accountable to people.

Aimed at achieving the short-term objectives, the Forum would shortly launch an aggressive State-wide campaign soon.

The Forum has drawn an action plan of reaching out to the electorate through appropriate messages and endorsements and launching an extensive campaign through print and electronic media.

According to Mr Manohar, "the campaign would focus on unity and integrity of the State of Andhra Pradesh, electing a government with a strong leadership and vision, appeal to cast vote positively."

The Forum would also launch e-mail campaign targeting millions, distribution of car and scooter stickers.

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