Taking competitive populism to a whole new level, AINRC president and Pondicherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Thursday promised washing machines to all registered ration card-holders in the Union Territory.
The AINRC manifesto, which Mr. Rangasamy unveiled on Thursday, promises washing machines to an estimated 3.3 lakh households covered under the Public Distribution System; if implemented, the scheme could cost the exchequer at least Rs. 150 crore.
The manifesto also showered several other freebies such as free set-top boxes and two cans of purified drinking water every week on the voters.
PDS at doorsteps
Mr. Rangasamy has also promised to ensure doorstep delivery of PDS commodities that are being provided free of cost. The delivery would be made in the first fortnight of every month.
A uniform bus tariff of Rs. 5 for commuting anywhere in the city, free wi-fi hotspots at vantage points in urban and rural areas, and waiver of crop and educational loans are some of the other highlights of the party’s manifesto.
Aid for students
The sops for higher learning include enhanced financial assistance to engineering and medical students. While students admitted to engineering courses through CENTAC would get Rs. 40,000 (against Rs. 25,000 earlier), medical students would get Rs. 4 lakh (Rs. 2.25 lakh).
The Congress, AINRC’s main rival in the Union Territory, is set to unveil its manifesto on Friday.
