A DAY after renominating former Union telecom ministers A Raja and Dayanidhi Maran, against whom CBI cases are proceeding, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) released its manifesto for the coming general election, assuring honest governance, transparent administration and an aim to make India foremost among developed countries.
In the document, the party reiterated its objective of forming a secular government at the Centre after the election, while its president M Karunanidhi ruled out favouring either Congress nominee, Rahul Gandhi or BJP?s Narendra Modi. ?Someone other than these two,? Karunanidhi said when asked who the DMK backed as the PM candidate. ?We are not expecting any other party to join the alliance, nor are we waiting for anyone,? Karunanidhi said about expanding the Democratic Progressive Alliance led by his party, as rumours persist about the inclusion of Congress.
The 63-page manifesto, drafted by a seven-member committee including senior leader T R Baalu, Karunanidhi?s daughter and Rajya Sabha member, Kanimozhi, and Lok Sabha MP T K S Elangovan, has been divided into 100 categories, including the achievements of the DMK while it shared power at the Centre.
From federalism, secularism, social justice and reservation; Sri Lankan Tamil issue, retrieving Katchatheevu Islet and fishermen issues; from Setu Samudram project, Tamil language and waiver of loans, the manifesto mentions all the objectives that the DMK has been consistently raising.
It supports reservation in private sector, separate reservation for MBCs, full implementation of Mandal Commission report, priority for SC/ST in Supreme Court judges appointment and inclusion of fishermen in the list of STs, free education and housing for SC/ST people are other promises.
