Trinamool vows to abolish CAA, stop UCC implementation

The party manifesto, released in six languages, promises 100 days of guaranteed work and a minimum wage of ₹400 per day

Trinamool leaders Amit Mitra, Derek O’Brien and Chandrima Bhattacharya release in Kolkata on April 17, 2024 the party’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. | Photo Credit: PTI

The Trinamool Congress on Wednesday released its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha election promising to abolish the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and non-implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

“The botched-up Citizenship Amendment Act will be abolished and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be discontinued. Uniform Civil Code will not be implemented in the country,” the manifesto read.

Led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool has been opposing the CAA and has sharpened its attack after the Rules of the Act were published on March 11.

The document, released in six languages, was made public by senior party leaders Derek O’ Brien, Amit Mitra and Chandrima Bhattacharya.

“These are the promises which we will fulfill as part of the INDIA bloc when it forms the next government,” Mr. O’ Brien said.

The manifesto titled ‘Didir 10 Shopoth (Didi’s Ten Oaths)’ promised several social welfare measures including 100 days of guaranteed work and a minimum wage of ₹400 per day, nationally. The other promises include housing for all poor families in the country, 5kg of free ration to be delivered free-of-cost to the doorstep and free LPG cylinders.

“All BPL families will be provided 10 LPG cylinders free of cost every year to enable them adequate access to clean cooking fuel, thereby promoting environment-friendly practices,” the manifesto said.

The document added that prices of petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders will be capped at affordable levels and a ‘price stabilisation fund’ will be created to handle price fluctuations.

“All graduates and diploma holders up to the age of 25 will be provided one-year apprenticeships to enhance their skills and employability. A monthly stipend will be provided to help apprentices support themselves economically. Student credit cards of up to ₹10 lakh will be provided to students pursuing higher education,” the manifesto said.

Other than 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, the Trinamool has fielded candidates in Assam, Meghalaya and in one seat in Uttar Pradesh.