The Citizens For Democracy (CFD) was formed at an inaugural conference held in New Delhi on April 13-14, 1974 under the Presidentship of Shri Jayprakash Narayan. There was rising discontent and political unrest during 1973-74. Country went through a turbulent period marked by series of agitations-bandhs, gheraos, strikes, shutdowns, closures of colleges and universities. Democratic values and constitutional precepts were facing severe strain. CFD was formed in response to the political, economic and moral crisis in which the country has been involved. Shri Jayprakash Narayan was the President of the CFD till his death with Justice V.M.Tarkunde as its General Secretary. After Shri Jayprakash Narayan, Justice M.C.Chagla, Prof. V.V.John, Justice V.M.Tarkunde, Prof. Dilip Swamy and Shri Kuldip Nayar have been its successive Presidents. At present Shri S.R.Hiremath is the President of the CFD.
AIMS AND OBJECTS:
The Citizens For Democracy seeks to preserve, defend and strengthen democracy in the country. It also works for the attainment of the higher ideal of a comprehensive political, economic and social democracy. It is not a political party nor a supporter of any political party. It strives to bring together all those who cherish the democratic values of liberty, equality and fraternity and who are not interested in power politics.
The aims and objects of the Citizens For Democracy include: to educate the people in the principles of democracy and to develop a discriminating and independent public opinion on all important issues to ensure independence of the press and other mass media like Radio and T.V.; to safeguard independence of the judiciary; to bring about electoral reforms; to combat the evils of untouchability, casteism and communalism and to secure an increasing measure of social as well as economic equality to foster moral values and launch an anti-corruption movement; and to develop appropriate local organization as to increase people’s participation in the affairs of the State.
15th February 2022