Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin unveiled the DMK's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Chennai.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin unveiled the DMK”s manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Wednesday in Chennai, accompanied by his sister and MP Kanimozhi along with other party leaders. The manifesto outlined several key promises including statehood for Puducherry, a pledge to ban the NEET examination and non-implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The party also revealed its list of candidates for the forthcoming elections.
In a significant proposal, the DMK manifesto suggested that until the office of governor is abolished, governors should be appointed in consultation with the respective state chief ministers.
Following the release of the manifesto, Chief Minister Stalin emphasised the DMK”s commitment to fulfilling its electoral promises, drawing from the legacy of the party”s leaders. He pledged to extend successful schemes developed under the Dravidian model to benefit not only Tamil Nadu but the entire nation.
Commending his sister”s efforts in crafting the manifesto, Stalin said Kanimozhi’s attention to detail ensured that each district”s specific needs were addressed.
Highlighting the participatory approach taken in formulating the manifesto, Stalin reiterated that it reflected the aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu, rather than just being a party document.
Taking a swipe at the BJP government, Stalin criticised their failure to deliver on their election promises since coming into power in 2014. He expressed confidence in the INDIA alliance”s ability to form government in 2024.
In the manifesto, special focus was placed on schemes tailored for Tamil Nadu, with detailed plans outlined for each district.
Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi”s recent visit to Tamil Nadu, Stalin said, “I would have been happy if PM Modi had come during the time of floods in Tamil Nadu.”
Among the big promises are drastic cuts to the prices of petrol, diesel, and LPG (cooking gas) to Rs 75 and Rs 65 per litre and Rs 500 per cylinder, free Wi-Fi services across the state, interest-free loans of up to Rs 4 lakh for students and Rs 10 lakh for women self-help groups.
Key Highlights from the manifesto:
- Amendment of the Indian Constitution to enshrine federal rights for states
- Establishment of a branch of the Supreme Court in Chennai
- Granting statehood to Puducherry
- Withdrawal of the National Education Policy (NEP)
- Implementation of 33 percent reservation for women
- Introduction of a morning meal scheme for government schools
- Ban on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)
- Provision of Rs 1,000 monthly stipend for women nationwide
- Removal of toll gates
- Non-implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
- Measures to suspend student education loans
- Repeal of Article 361, which empowers the Governor
- Establishment of new Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Indian Institute of Agricultural Research (IIARI)
Tamil Nadu votes in a single phase on April 19, the first day of polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Results will be declared on June 4.
