LS polls: MDMK Leader Vaiko releases party manifesto. Check details here

TIRUCHY: MDMK general secretary Vaiko released the election manifesto of the party in Tiruchy on Saturday with several promises, including withdrawal of CAA, lifting of ban on LTTE, nationalising Tirukkural and permanent closure of Sterlite company.

According to the manifesto, the MDMK would strive to ensure federalism, social justice and secularism. The party promised to declare Tirukkural as national book, AIIMS in Madurai, strongly opposing imposition of Hindi, employment in the PSUs and ensuring jobs for local youth, linking of rivers and ensuing irrigation systems. Similarly, the party promised to complete the Sethu canal project, permanent ban on hydrocarbon exploration and repair works. Strict implementation of National Green Tribunal’s direction of ban on sand mining across the country also featured.

Here are the key points of the manifesto:

• Action will be taken to retrieve Katchatheevu islet from Sri Lanka
• Ban on Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will be revoked
• Thirukkural will be declared as national book
• Ban on sand mining
• Ban on hydrocarbon projects
• Will close down Kudunkulam Nuclear Power Plant and Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station

The party would work to ensure control of fall of Indian rupee against US dollar, slash in petrol and diesel price and regularise the GST and VAT. Retrieval of Katchatheevu by all means, caste census for reservation reforms, withdrawal of CAA and the concept of One Nation One Election are promised.

Vaiko said the party wanted to contest in the Top symbol but the EC denied permission. “In order to ensure individuality, we have opted for a match box symbol and we will emerge victorious,” Vaiko added.

Parliamentary elections are to be held across the country in 7 phases, from April 19 to June 1. Voting will take place on June 4.