Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday released the party’s manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, presenting a national outlook.
“It is essential that a government at the Centre is formed, of which the AIADMK will be an integral part, so as to restore the rights of Tamil Nadu, and to obtain for Tamil Nadu its due share, and for devolving additional powers upon the states,” the manifesto said drawing attention to the fact that development of states was dependent on Centre’s policies.
The manifesto promises to create at least 10 crore jobs in the next five years across the country and enact a law for providing 33 per cent quota for women in State legislatures and in Parliament. It also envisions an India Vision Document for the all-round development of the nation on the lines of TN Vision 2023 document. Waiving the entire interest payable on crop loans for those farmers who repay their loans on time is another important promise for the farming community. On the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, the manifesto said the AIADMK was determined to ensure that New Delhi move the UN for holding a referendum amongst Tamils in Sri Lanka and the diaspora for the formation of a separate Eelam. The AIADMK also promised to retrieve Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen from attacks by the Lankan Navy.
Reiterating its opposition to FDI-in-retail trade, the AIADMK said it would take steps to rescind the existing UPA government’s policy. It also promises to replace the “half-baked” Food Security Act with a Universal Public Distribution System.