CAA repeal, more autonomy to states, annulling Article 361 in DMK manifesto

Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK unveiled its manifesto along with its candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chennai on Wednesday, promising to repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and give more autonomy to states if INDIA bloc wins elections.

The party has fielded Dayanidhi Maran from Central Chennai, Kanimozhi from Thoothukudi, TR Balu from Sriperumbudur and A Raja from Nilgiri. Out of 39 seats, the party has announced candidates for 21 constituencies, leaving nine for Congress and remaining for other allies.

Tamil Nadu CM and DMK supremo MK Stalin released the manifesto, which also promises restoration of J&K's statehood and holding assembly elections there.


Scrapping new education policy, abolition of the proposed 'one nation, one election' policy, slashing fuel prices, annulling Article 361 of the Constitution that provides protection to governors from legal action and appointment of governors after consulting chief ministers were among the key promises.

DMK also promised abolition of Article 356 and establishing a Supreme Court branch in Chennai.

The recommendations of the MS Swaminathan committee will be adopted to ensure that MSP for agricultural products "is set at total production cost plus 50", Stalin said.

If voted to power, INDIA bloc will withdraw the Agnipath scheme and reintroduce 'permanent recruitment service' in the armed forces, the manifesto says.

AIADMK SEALS DEAL WITH DMDK

Another major Dravidian party AIADMK has also announced its first list of 16 candidates. Edappadi K Palaniswami-led party, the erstwhile ally of BJP, has allocated five seats to DMDK and one each to Puthiya Tamilagam and SDPI.