The Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) unveiled its manifesto on Thursday, outlining a series of transformative measures aimed at reshaping the socio-political landscape if voted to power in the Lok Sabha elections.
The Left party has promised to scrap “draconian laws” such as the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), along with the implementation of a progressive “super tax” on the rich.
Beyond economic policies, the CPI(M) said it will form an inclusive and secular government at the Centre.
The party said that the Lok Sabha elections are taking place at a time when “the Republic of India faces an existential crisis created by the Narendra Modi’s decade-long rule”. The CPI(M) alleged that the BJP is spreading “communal poison” and the elections are about saving India against “the effort of the BJP to transform the secular, democratic character of the Indian Republic into a rabidly intolerant, hate and violence-based authoritarian and fascistic Hindutva Rashtra.”
Key features of the CPI(M) manifesto:
- Combatting Hate Speech and CAA Repeal: The party vows to fight against hate speech and crimes, alongside a commitment to revoke the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 (CAA).
- Reforming Legal Frameworks: Asserting its stance against oppressive laws, the CPI(M) advocates for the abolition of draconian laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), while pledging to safeguard the autonomy of independent institutions.
- Economic Policies: Promising a reversal of privatization initiatives, the party advocates for a tax regime targeting the affluent, including measures such as a super-rich tax, a general wealth tax, and inheritance tax.
- Labor Rights and Agriculture: The CPI(M) commits to enacting pro-worker laws to replace existing labour codes and supports the establishment of a legal framework for minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.
- Employment and Rural Development: Advocating for the constitutional recognition of the ‘Right to Work,’ the party emphasizes the urgency of filling government and public sector vacancies, expanding MSMEs to stimulate job creation, and doubling budgetary allocations for MGNREGA.
- Urban Employment and Welfare: Proposing legislation for urban employment and an unemployment allowance, the CPI(M) aims to address the pressing issue of joblessness in urban areas.
- Education and Fiscal Federalism: The party advocates for a substantial increase in budgetary allocations for education, aiming for at least six percent of GDP, and supports devolving 50 percent of Central tax collections to the states.
- Governance Reforms: Proposing a panel-based method for appointing state governors, suggested by the respective chief ministers, the CPI(M) seeks to democratize the process of gubernatorial selection.
- Social Justice and Indigenous Rights: Advocating for reservation laws in the private sector and the immediate fulfillment of vacancies in reserved posts without compromise, the party also pledges to protect the constitutional and legal rights of indigenous communities, opposing cultural assimilation.
- Policy Reforms: Additional promises include conducting a caste-based census, prohibiting corporate donations to political parties, and restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases between April 19 and June 1. The results will be declared on June 4.