Chennai: MK Stalin’s party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has released its manifesto today at the DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam in the capital city.
The opposition party has made a slew of promises including free computer tablets with data cards for students and a law to provide 75 percent of jobs in the state to locals.
Keeping Hindu voters in mind, DMK has also promised financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to one lakh persons going on pilgrimage to major Hindu temples.
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The assurances include an increase in maternity leave period and assistance, a cut in fuel prices. The Dravidian party also commits to implementing steps for banning NEET - a matter that has been a controversial one in the state espcially in view of suicides by aspirants over anxiety for clearing NEET exam.
Releasing the manifesto, Stalin said if DMK forms the government, first-generation graduates will be given preference in government jobs besides reservation in the private sector and promised subsidies for small farmers.
If voted, the party will reduce the rates of petrol and diesel by Rs 5 and Rs 4 per litre, Stalin said in an apparent reference to tax cuts.
Also, a subsidy of Rs 100 towards LPG cylinder will be provided, he added.
The 'Dravidian' party has also promised an allocation of Rs 1000 crore for renovating and consecrating Hindu temples. Stalin furthur assured to provide Rs 200 crore for churches and mosques as well.
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Other commitments include better water management, supply of clean drinking water, increase in women's reservation in government jobs, hiking old age pension and establishment of 'Kalaignar Unavagam' eateries for hunger eradication.
Stalin also stated that steps will be taken to expedite the submission of a committee (Arumughasamy Committe) report which was formed to probe the circumstances leading to the death of former CM J Jayalalithaa in 2016.
Previously, the DMK had announced its candidates' list on Friday revealing that chief MK Stalin will once again contest from Kolathur, while his son, actor-turned-politician Udhayanidhi, will fight from Chepauk-Triplicane. DMK's Thanga Tamilselvan to take on O Panneerselvam in Bodinayakanur.
Stalin released the list of all 173 candidates for the elections, retaining most sitting MLAs including seniors Durai Murugan, K N Nehru, K Ponmudi and MRK Panneerselvam-- all former ministers, besides others.
(With Agency Inputs)