In a significant move, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), under the leadership of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, unveiled its manifesto for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Among the array of promises outlined in its poll manifesto, the AIADMK pledged to advocate for a consultative process between the Central government and Chief Ministers regarding the appointment of governors for states.
Furthermore, the party committed to abolishing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and instituting an alternative mechanism for the selection of medical students. This bold stance reflects the party's resolve to address longstanding concerns regarding the NEET exam's impact on students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Another noteworthy proposal put forth by the AIADMK is the revision of the funding allocation under centrally sponsored schemes (CSS), to increase the share of both central and state governments. This move seeks to rebalance the financial burden and foster greater cooperation between the Centre and states in implementing developmental initiatives.
Additionally, the AIADMK emphasized its opposition to the Mekedatu multi-purpose project in Karnataka, vowing to exert pressure on the Central government to halt its implementation. The party also pledged to provide substantial financial assistance, amounting to Rs 3,000 per month, to women heading economically disadvantaged households nationwide, underscoring its commitment to uplift vulnerable segments of society.
Moreover, the AIADMK outlined its vision for infrastructural development, including the revival of interlinking projects such as the Cauvery-Gundar-Vaigai and Godavari-Cauvery schemes, alongside its flagship initiative, Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery. The party's proposal to establish a Supreme Court bench in Chennai underscores its aspiration to enhance access to justice and legal recourse for citizens in the southern region.
A notable inclusion in the AIADMK's manifesto is the provision of dual citizenship for Sri Lankan Tamils residing in India as refugees, reflecting the party's recognition of the plight of displaced communities and its commitment to humanitarian causes.
Interestingly, these pledges align closely with initiatives outlined in the manifesto of the rival Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Both parties advocate for the abolition of the NEET exam and seek greater autonomy for state governments in the appointment of governors, highlighting common concerns and priorities in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
