Kerala Assembly Elections: Key Manifestos of Major Alliances Unveiled
Manifestos Released Ahead of Kerala Assembly Elections
With just a week remaining before the Kerala Assembly elections, the three major political alliances have unveiled their manifestos. A significant focus across all manifestos is on attracting female voters. The coalition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has promised 20,000 liters of free water and two complimentary LPG cylinders. Meanwhile, the United Democratic Front (UDF), spearheaded by Congress, has pledged health insurance worth ₹25 lakh and a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for college-going girls. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has committed to increasing women's participation in the workforce to 50%. All three alliances have agreed to raise the social security pension from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000.
LDF's Achievements and Promises
In its manifesto, the LDF highlighted its accomplishments over the past five years. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the government has assisted five lakh families in overcoming poverty. He also mentioned that the social security pension has been increased from ₹1,600 to ₹2,000, with plans to further raise it to ₹3,000.
The LDF aims to eradicate poverty entirely, enhance welfare pensions to ₹3,000 per month, and ensure adequate healthcare services at the local level. Recently, the Left government declared that extreme poverty has been eliminated in the state, and it plans to identify the poorest families for targeted assistance. Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups such as Scheduled Castes, fishermen, and beneficiaries of the Antyodaya scheme.
LDF's Focus on Employment and Care
The LDF has also promised improved care for the elderly and those with mobility issues. The manifesto includes plans to expand placement and skill training programs for students completing their education. Job seekers will benefit from the 'Back to Campus' initiative, which aims to equip them with practical skills linked to employment opportunities. Increasing women's employment is a key objective, with the LDF targeting a 50% participation rate for women in the workforce. Support systems such as safe transportation, childcare, and skill training will be strengthened to assist women in securing jobs.
UDF's '5+1' Guarantee
The UDF has presented its manifesto under the '5+1' guarantee framework. Senior leaders, including V.D. Satheesan and Revant Reddy, launched the manifesto in Ernakulam. The UDF has promised that, similar to the Telangana government led by Revant Reddy, it will fulfill its commitments within 100 days of coming to power.
Among its promises, the UDF has stated that women will travel for free on government buses. Additionally, pensions for the disabled, widows, and the elderly will be increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000. College-going girls will receive ₹1,000 monthly. Congress leader V.D. Satheesan noted that every family would be entitled to health insurance worth ₹25 lakh if the UDF comes to power.
UDF's Support for Small Businesses
The UDF also promises interest-free loans of ₹5 lakh for small business owners, development in the aviation sector, salary revisions for ASHA and Anganwadi workers, financial assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a turnover of ₹100 crore, and the establishment of a tribal university in Wayanad.
BJP's Promises for Kerala
The BJP, working to establish its presence in Kerala, has also pledged to increase social pensions to ₹3,000. Additionally, it promises to provide two free LPG cylinders annually to underprivileged families, with one cylinder distributed during Onam and the other during Christmas.
Furthermore, the BJP has committed to supplying each family with 20,000 liters of free water monthly, addressing the needs of residents in water-scarce areas. The party has also vowed to reform the Devaswom Board and ensure the preservation of temples.
Election Date and Context
Voting for all 140 assembly seats in Kerala is scheduled for April 9, with results expected on May 4. The LDF, which has been in power for a decade, is facing a strong challenge from the UDF this election.