MADURAI: Noting that the DMK had tailor-made its election manifesto to suit the needs of every district in the State, party treasurer M K Stalin said that the manifesto will be the ‘super hero’ in this election season.
After the UPA won the 2006 Assembly elections, Congress leader P Chidambaram had termed its manifesto, which famously offered free colour TVs, as the hero for the team.
Formally launching the party’s campaign from Othakadai here on Friday, he introduced the party candidate for Madurai East constituency, P Moorthi. Stalin said that the DMK was probably the first party to plan the document for the future with such attention to details.
“In it (the manifesto), we have made 501 promises, which would help everyone from women to youngsters and minorities to make their lives better. Top priority has been accorded to the eradication of liquor at one-go through complete prohibition. Only complete prohibition will enable women lead a peaceful life,” the DMK treasurer said.
The assurances include bringing in Lok Ayukta to make Tamil Nadu a corruption-free State, while getting a Right to Service Act would be a priority, through which the citizens would be guaranteed all services provided by the government without any hassle.
“Initially, we thought of waiving off interest component on education loans. But party president M Karunanidhi insisted that the whole amount be waived off by the next DMK government,” said Stalin amid loud cheers. Also, youngsters will be provided 3G or 4G broadband internet connectivity, which will definitely boost their future opportunities, he added.
Highlighting some of the special elements of the manifesto, Stalin said reducing the duration of electricity assessment from two months to one will save a minimum of Rs 1,000 for every household. There are about 94 lakh unemployed youth in the State, he noted, and assured them that the DMK government would enter into joint venture with granite and sand business firms to create job opportunities.
Referring to Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa’s claim that her government had fulfilled all promises made in the last election, Stalin criticised the ruling party, questioning why the statue of ‘Tamil Annai’ as announced by her had not been installed yet. He also questioned why Thoppur had not yet been declared a satellite town.
Promising that jallikattu will return soon, he said the DMK, if voted to power, will take all necessary steps to hold the event, one of the cultural traditions of Tamil Nadu. And once the party assumes power, public servants, including the chief minister, will reach out to the public, instead of the later approaching the government officials.
Tie-up with Mining Firms
Pointing out that there were about 94 lakh unemployed youth in the State, he noted, and assured them that the DMK government would enter into joint venture with granite and sand business firms to create job opportunities
‘Hands Tied on Islet Issue’
Responding to criticisms that the DMK did nothing to prevent the ceding of Katchatheevu islet to Sri Lanka, Stalin said the agreement was signed between two countries during Emergency. This left the State government with limited possibilities to oppose the move, apart from adopting a resolution at its general council, Stalin added