Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has said the party’s manifesto for the assembly election would prioritize schemes for the poor, marginalized and socially backward communities, with a focus on helping them improve their lives through targeted support.
The party said calling welfare schemes for poor people as “freebies” was wrong. TVK general secretary Arun Raj told reporters after the first meeting of TVK’s manifesto panel on Tuesday that the party’s poll promises will be based on its ideology of ‘secular social justice.’
TVK hinted at a populist manifesto, in line with TVK president Vijay’s statement at public meeting in Kancheepuram that his vision was for every household to have a motorcycle.
He said the manifesto would cover TN’s overall development across sectors, including industry, agriculture and traditional occupations.The 12-member manifesto committee would split into region-wise teams and travel to meet people. They would consult farmers, fishermen, govt employees, drivers, sanitation workers and teachers, while also collecting inputs through a dedicated online portal to widen public participation, he said.Arun Raj took a swipe at DMK’s track record on manifesto promises, recalling the criticisms faced by the party over failing to fulfil promises.Arun Raj avoided direct criticism of BJP when reporters sought his response to comments by Congress and DMK leaders that BJP was pressuring Vijay through the CBI probe and the delay of ‘Jana Nayagan’. He said the issues were sub judice.Asked about Vijay’s plans to resume campaigning, Arun Raj did not give a concrete timeline.
