In a significant move ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, presented its election manifesto on Tuesday. Criticizing the BJP for its alleged failure to fulfill election promises, Stalin emphasized the intention to extend schemes implemented under the Dravidian model in Tamil Nadu to the entire country.

Stalin asserted, “The DMK is committed to fulfilling its manifesto pledges, a tradition instilled by our leaders. We aim to extend the successful schemes pioneered under the Dravidian model to benefit the entire nation.”

The manifesto outlined several key proposals, including the abolition of the Governor’s office, amendment of Article 361, and rejection of central policies such as the National Education Policy (NEP), National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Tamil Nadu.

Additionally, the DMK manifesto promised the establishment of a Supreme Court branch in Chennai, statehood for Puducherry, constitutional amendments to grant federal rights to states, suspension of student loans, provision of morning meal schemes for government schools, 33% reservation for women, elimination of toll gates, monthly financial aid of Rs 1,000 for women nationwide, and the establishment of new IITs, IIMs, IIScs, and IIARIs.

Key Highlights of DMK’s Lok Sabha Poll Manifesto:

1. Constitutional amendments to grant federal rights to states.
2. Repeal of Article 361, empowering the Governor.
3. Establishment of a Supreme Court branch in Chennai.
4. Statehood for Puducherry.
5. Rejection of CAA.
6. Ban on NEET.
7. Withdrawal of UCC.
8. Abolition of NEP.
9. 33% reservation for women.
10. Monthly financial aid of Rs 1,000 for women nationwide.
11. Removal of toll gates.
12. Suspension of student loans.
13. Establishment of new IITs, IIMs, IIScs, and IIARI.

In a bid to replicate its success from the 2019 elections, wherein it secured 38 out of 39 seats, the DMK, in alliance with the Congress and other parties, announced 21 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, including 12 fresh faces. Notable candidates include Kanimozhi from Thoothukudi, Kalanidhi Veerasami from North Chennai, and Dayanidhi Maaran from Central Chennai.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK also unveiled its initial list of 16 candidates for the upcoming elections. Tamil Nadu is slated to vote in a single-phase polling on April 19, with the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, followed by vote counting on June 4.