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LDF says it would make Kerala the cleanest state in India if it came to power. A secular, corrupt-free, hunger-free-nature-friendly Kerala is what the Left is promising in its manifesto.
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala promised a new dam at Mullaperiyar in Idukki district if the CPM-led front won power in the upcoming Assembly elections.
The new Mullaperiyar dam was one of the many promises in the LDF manifesto released in Thiruvanathapuram on Tuesday.
The manifesto also promised 25 lakh jobs in five years once LDF comes to power.
The LDF manifesto was unveiled by LDF convenor Vaikom Viswan at a press meet in the Kerala capital.
LDF also said if it formed the government, Kerala would be made the cleanest state in India. A "secular", "corrupt-free", "hunger-free-nature-friendly" Kerala is what the Left is promising in its manifesto.
Farmers will be assured of minimum income, as per the manifesto. All the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families will be given rice free of cost.
Legal drinking age to be raised
In the manifesto, the LDF sticks to its stated policy of a gradual reduction of alcohol consumption rather than a total ban. It also says that the legal drinking age will be raised to 23, which is now 21.
When asked if the LDF will reopen bars, Viswan slammed the UDF government's liqour policy. "The bars were never closed. They are still running in the name of beer-wine parlours," he said.
In the manifesto, the LDF said it will run awareness campaigns against liquor consumption.
The front claims it will build houses for all homeless people in the state. Another key pledge is that the prices of essential commodities being distributed through Maveli stores and Supplyco outlets will not be increased for the next five years, if the LDF government comes to power.
Also, the pensions would be distributed at the pensioners' residences, doing away with the practice of transferring money to bank accounts.
The LDF manifesto is surprisingly mum on the front's earlier reported plan to introduce an agri-budget, sources told Onmanorama, due to serious differences of opinion between its two major constituents on the issue.
LDF manifesto: key points
25 lakh jobs opportunities in five years
New dam at Mullapperiyar
High-speed railway corridor
Minimum income for farmers
Hunger-free Kerala
All those above 60 eligible would be given pension
No price hike in public market for next five years
1500 start-ups in every year ยป Will review Contributory pension scheme
Subsidy for rubber farmers
Four-lane NH, SHs will be renovated
Nature-friendly Kerala - projects to revitalise water resources
Special fund for diaspora
Special gas pipeline project
Royalty for paddy fields
Rubber replanning society
2500 MW electricity to be generated
This article was originally published on Onmanorama.com
