The All India Anna Dravida Munnnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Tuesday made clear its ambition for a larger role in national politics by declaring that it would provide a strong, bold and determined leadership in the country. The party’s election manifesto made several national-level promises and appealed to the people to vote for the ‘Two Leaves’ symbol to “take India forward on the path of peace, prosperity and progress.”
Releasing the manifesto, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said the party had spelt out many policies aimed at the growth of Tamil Nadu and India. “Over the last 10 years, the Central government was not in a position to take any co-ordinated policy decisions…We have a vision for India in which Tamil Nadu will play a key role,” the manifesto said.
Schemes for all
Promising to extend the popular welfare schemes in Tamil Nadu, such as free mixies, grinders, laptops, milch cows and goats, to the rest of the country, the manifesto assured to eradicate poverty and create 10 crore jobs.
While promising to retrieve Katchatheevu, the AIADMK said it was determined to ensure that punishment was given through international court of justice to all those who committed war crimes and genocide against Tamil minorities during the internal strife in Sri Lanka.
The party was also firm on moving the United Nations to take action and render justice to the Tamils in Sri Lanka and for holding a referendum among Tamils in the island nation and displaced Sri Lankan Tamils across the world for formation of a separate Eelam.
On the fishermen issue, the manifesto said the AIADMK would urge the Sri Lankan Government to put an end to the illegal arrest of innocent Tamil fishermen and take steps to protect the interests of the fishing community.
The manifesto accused the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of not questioning the Congress coalition government when military training and arms were provided to the Sri Lankan Army for the “annihilation” of Sri Lankan Tamils. “Instead of taking steps to stop the genocide in Sri Lanka, the Government of India extended support to the Sri Lankan Army, which in turn killed a large number of Tamils,” it said.
Noting that the government employees were the backbone of an effective government, the AIADMK said it would implement the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission for Central government employees. Among other promises were the increase of Income Tax ceiling up to Rs. 5 lakh, inclusion of Scheduled Caste converts (to other religions) in the list of SCs, 33 per cent reservation for women in Legislative Assemblies and in Parliament.
