The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its election manifesto for Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, giving priority to basic infrastructure, mainly consistent supply of drinking water to all parts of the constituency.
AAP candidate for the constituency, Ajith Joy, said acute water shortage, especially to coastal areas, would be addressed by identifying sources, improving distribution system, and setting up rainwater harvesting systems. The manifesto was released at Martyrs’ Column, Palayam, and handed over to two first-time voters Shafeek and Jishnu. Another copy was handed over to the former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board A. Gopalakrishnan. Around 50 people had assembled at the venue wearing the party’s signature caps and holding aloft its poll symbol, the broom.
12 areasThe document focusses on 12 key areas and is a compilation of suggestions from residents across the city. Mr. Joy said 20,000 forms were distributed among people, seeking their opinions on issues specific to the constituency.
Another basic requirement highlighted is solid waste management. Though it falls under the purview of the civic body, Mr. Joy proposes the creation of an expert committee to prepare a plan which will take into account the climatic conditions and nature of garbage. Measures to clean up the Parvathy Puthanar, Karamana and Killi rivers must be taken soon.
Anti-corruption cellsMr. Joy promises taluk-level ‘anti-corruption cells’ and helplines. Welfare measures with focus on schemes for women and children are in the agenda. “We visited markets across the city and found that most do not have shelters. There are very few public toilets. We will ensure that every market is renovated,” he says.
Setting up of a High Court Bench in the city and implementation of the Vizhinjam project are listed as priorities.
The manifesto focusses on improving the living conditions of people in coastal areas. He promises to try to set up a Union Fisheries Affairs Ministry. Creation of jobs is another priority area. The manifesto stresses on the empowerment of ‘Jansabhas’ for managing schemes.
