Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is a political organisation that was formed in Guwahati, Assam, on 29 March 2015. It was formed by a citizen’s group—that consisted of professionals, existing and aspiring politicians, intellectuals, and social activists—with the aim of redefining the political narrative, first in Assam, and then gradually in the rest of India.
LDP believes that while politics should be the battle of ideas, it has progressively been reduced to a battle of special interests. The founders believe that what society needs is not just another political party—not more of the same—but another kind of politics. Therefore the leadership has been mandated to create India’s most ethical and transparent political organisation.
The founders also believe that the kind of morass Assam has sunk into, only a multi-pronged approach would work. Therefore it has mandated its leadership to create a network of frontal organisations that penetrate society from multiple directions, and work to create trust and self-confidence among people.
LDP’s ideology stand on the twin pillars of (a) economic and social liberalism, and (b) social democracy.
Economic liberalism refers to the promotion of free & fair markets, and business entrepreneurship, of course with a robust regulatory mechanism in place. Social liberalism refers to the expansion of personal freedom—wherein people can live as they like, behave as they like, speak as they like, without any fear from the state or vigilante groups—again, of course, within the ambit of the law.
Social democracy is about providing equal opportunity to people to develop their talents and pursue their goals. Social democracy also requires the state to care for those who are unable to care for themselves.
By combining these two strands, LDP aims to usher in an era of balanced development wherein everyone can live a life of dignity.
A political party can be analysed from three perspectives: (a) the strength and credibility of its leadership, (b) the issues that it espouses, and (c) the width and depth of its social base.
LDP aims to have the most credible leadership in its operating space. Its leaders may not always be battle-hardened politicians, but they would be ordinary people that have demonstrated credible performance in their previous assignments and have led a life of exemplary integrity.
LDP believes that it is irresponsible politics to merely raise issues without really thinking about their solutions. LDP is also against any kind of agitative mobilisations that lead to the disruption of productive work. Therefore LDP would only raise an issue when it can propose a solution. LDP would work towards proposing solutions for all the major outstanding issues of Assam.
LDP also aims to have the widest possible social base of any political party. This would be a party that is representative of all the people of Assam, not just of certain social groups. It aims to bring together tribesmen and plainsmen, Assamese speakers and speakers of other indigenous languages, and people of all religious faiths. LDP recognises that an overwhelming portion of the people of Assam reside in rural areas. And the only way to unite a society slipping into increasing poverty is through the promotion of entrepreneurship and small business. Therefore its social base strategy is centred on creating a cadre-based organisation that would take the message of entrepreneurship and financial self-help to the grassroots.
The membership of LDP is open to all Indian citizens eligible to vote. There are two kinds of membership (a) Primary Membership, and (b) Patron Membership.
Primary Membership is obtainable by filling a membership form, swearing allegiance to the Party Constitution, and paying a fee of Rs 100/-, renewable every 3 years.
Patron Membership is open to those Primary Members that wish to help the Party meet its annual financial goals by giving 12 post-dated cheques of Rs 1000/- each.
LDP is led by a President, supported by several Vice Presidents, General Secretaries and Secretaries. Additionally, the Party has various Cells to cater to its internal functional needs and reach out to different communities.
LDP’s Founder-President is Shri Prodyut Bora.
About Prodyut Bora:
Liberal Democratic Party | Assam - President