The JD(S) on Friday released its manifesto which promises doles for unemployed youth, nutritious meal for malnourished children and interlinking of major rivers across the country.
Exuding confidence that JD(S) will play a major role in forming a ‘secular’ government at the Centre, it pledges to enact an effective Lokpal Bill, dispose of corruption cases within six months and set up more courts to deal with corruption.
The manifesto also promises to provide loans up to `5 lakh without any collateral for youths to start their own small enterprises and computer-based services.
Expressing concern over malnourishment among children, it says the party government would implement a free ‘Healthy Meal’ programme and a new agricultural policy.
JD(S) will ensure clean drinking water to every village, generate jobs, empower women and develop rural areas to prevent large-scale migration to cities, the manifesto says.
The 20-page manifesto titled Namma Sankalpa (Our Resolve) also vows to bring drastic changes in the education sector so that affordable education is available to all.
Speaking on the occasion, party chief H D Deve Gowda said: “It would be impossible for any party to form the government without the support of JD(S) at the Centre. Political parties which are boasting of a thumping win are in for a disappointment.”
Reiterating the party’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and weaker sections, Gowda said a slew of welfare programmes would be implemented for auto and cab drivers.
Mulayam Has Right to Air His Views: Gowda
Bangalore: Hoping to cobble together a Third Front as an alternative to UPA and NDA, JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Friday refused to condemn Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav’s statement questioning death penalty for rapists.
After releasing the party’s manifesto, Gowda said: “Why should I condemn anybody? He (Mulayam) has every right. Every politician has his own views. Ultimately, the Supreme Court and the President will take a decision.”
Mulayam, addressing an election rally in Moradabad, had said boys are boys and mistakes happen sometimes, but rapists should not be punished by hanging.
Mulayam’s statement has ignited protests from women’s groups and rival political parties.
Gowda said crimes such as rape bring shame to the country, whose image has taken a hit because of what has been going on for the last two years. The legislation passed by Parliament has not curtailed or brought down rape incidents, he said.