Mewat is one of the most backward areas in Haryana. It used to be a part of district Gurgaon and Faridabad. The people of Mewat felt that the area will get better attention if it were to become a separate district. But political parties were indifferent to this sentiment. The demand for a separate district was raised by Mewat Educational and Social Organisation and Mewat Saksharta Samiti in 1996. Later Mewat Vikas Sabha was founded in 2000 and carried out a series of public awareness campaigns. This forced both the major parties, Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal to announe their support for the new district before the assembly elections held in February, 2005. The new district came into existence in July, 2005.
In this example what is the relationship that you observe among movement, political parties and the government? Can you think of an example that shows a relationship different from this one?
Potentials of few district felt sectional interest groups (Mewat Educational and Social Organisation and Mewat Saksharta Samiti) formed—consolidated in public interest group (Mewat Vikas Sabha). Public awareness campaigns (through media, demonstration, sloganeering, procession etc.)—political parties/Congress and (NLD)— New district formed.
Yes. In other movements like Narmada Bachao Andolan, different organisations were against the policy of the government regarding construction of big dams. In such a movement, the government is not a party to the movement.
