SP releases manifesto for UP Assembly polls

LUCKNOW: The Samajwadi Party today released its manifesto for Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections promising a ban on land acquisition except in urgent circumstances and various sops for the agriculture sector.

The manifesto for the coming Assembly elections in the state also promised laptops to intermediate passed students, loans at four per cent interest to small and marginal farmers, pension to those above 65 years and loan waivers.

The party promised a ban on land acquisition, except in urgent need. It said in case acquisition would be done it would be with the consent of farmers and the compensation given would be six times higher than the circle rate.

If the land is unutilised for three years, it would be returned to the farmers.

The SP promised to create pressure on the Centre for implementation of recommendations of the Rangnath commission and Sachar committee reports.

The manifesto said the party would not allow Foreign Direct Investment in retail sectors at any cost: SP.