Fwd: Urgent Appeal

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Mayank Rungta

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Nov 2, 2020, 7:41:11 AM11/2/20

Hi all,

This is someone we know personally and have worked with over the last few years. Sanjay Sahni, was covered in Satya Meva Jayate episode on social audits -

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN5ClcC2djo&feature=youtu.be&t=360

His work, his persistence is something to look up to. Please spread the word and support in any way you can.

Thanks,
Mayank

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Rajendran Narayanan <n.raj...@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Nov 2, 2020 at 11:52 AM
Subject: Urgent Appeal
To: Rajendran Narayanan <n.raj...@gmail.com>

Dear All,

I recently returned from Kurhani block, Muzaffarpur district, Bihar where my friend Sanjay Sahni is contesting the legislative assembly elections in Bihar as an independent candidate. I am part of a team that has been assisting his campaign efforts in this highly asymmetric David vs Goliath contest. You can read about his campaign here.

I am also attaching an appeal by eminent economist Jean Dreze and some other student volunteers who have been assisting in this campaign.

I have known Sanjay for almost a decade now. He was an electrician in New Delhi who returned to his village, Ratnauli, in Kurhani block in 2011 after he unearthed massive corruption where the poor were being cheated by the local power structures. Since then he has built a stellar organisation called Samaj Parivartan Shakti Sangathan (SPSS) (also called MNREGA Watch) that has more than 1.15 lakh members; most of whom are poor Dalit women. The assertion of rights pertaining to NREGA, rations, pensions and other public services by this marginalised community is one of a kind in India.

During lockdown, Sanjay was instrumental in working with the Stranded Workers Action Network (SWAN) in assisting thousands of stranded migrant workers in providing relief when the entire political establishment turned a blind eye. In fact, many migrant workers who have returned have been campaigning for him. Immediately after lockdown was lifted, Bihar was gripped by floods. Sanjay and his team did a lot of flood relief work as well.

Despite not having any income, the poor are giving their time in this epic effort. Many are walking bare feet and many are walking carrying their kids with them. This is a low-budget campaign funded by individual donations. Whatever you may be able to spare will be highly appreciated – every rupee counts. And, every rupee is being accounted for.

You can contribute with just a few clicks here.

Please consider contributing and spreading the word. Since the elections are on 7th, please consider contributing asap. Also find below a partial list of media coverage on this campaign.

Thanks,

Rajendran

https://gaurilankeshnews.com/mgnrega-workers-fight-back-in-bihar-elections/

https://www.forwardpress.in/2020/10/news-bihar-electon-sanjay-sahni-hindi/?fbclid=IwAR1c9T69fxEqARAitUH01ECNjB1cZPP3_yHp21LUVhQXiGvfrdICut_VE18

https://www.thehindu.com/elections/bihar-assembly/bihar-assembly-elections-this-independent-candidate-gets-a-leg-up-from-jean-dreze/article32936303.ece

https://youtu.be/8-uP1QvxG8s

https://www.bbc.com/hindi/india-54683482

https://twitter.com/kunalkamra88/status/1321017438310264833?s=21

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/this-migrant-worker-will-fight-for-his-own-in-bihar-election/articleshow/78840431.cms

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/former-migrant-worker-contests-state-elections-in-india-with-focus-on-unemployment

https://youtu.be/uRONsaE2F5Q

https://news.trust.org/item/20201028132847-9rxws/