On Wednesday, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin unveiled the party’s candidates list for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Stalin also introduced the party’s manifesto, emphasizing that the DMK takes pride in being proactive in crafting and implementing its manifesto commitments.
“Our party’s Deputy General Secretary, along with my sister, led the election manifesto committee and meticulously prepared our manifesto. As Kanimozhi stated, we extensively engaged with the people across the state to gather their inputs. This manifesto isn’t just for the DMK; it’s a manifesto by and for the people,” Stalin remarked.
The DMK has nominated several candidates for key constituencies, including Kalanidhi Veerasami for North Chennai, Tamilachi Thangapandian for South Chennai, and Dayanidhi Maran for Central Chennai. Kanimozhi will be contesting from Thoothukudi, a constituency she previously represented.
Other candidates in the DMK’s lineup include TR Balu for Sriperumbatur, Jagathrachahan for Arakonam, Kadhir Anand for Vellore, Annadurai for Thiruvanamalai, Dharani for Aarani, Selvagapathi for Salem, Prakash for Erode, A Raja for Nilgiri, Ganapathi Rajkumar for Coimbatore, Arun Neru for Perambalur, Murasoli for Tanjore, Thanga Tamil Selvam for Theni, and Rani for Thenkasi.
During the manifesto release event, MK Stalin expressed concerns about the BJP’s governance since 2014, criticizing the unfulfilled promises and advocating for change at the national level. “We have put forth a comprehensive 64-page manifesto that outlines special schemes for Tamil Nadu and district-specific initiatives,” he stated.
The DMK’s manifesto includes proposals for establishing a Supreme Court branch in Chennai, asserting state rights for Puducherry, conducting Union Exams in Tamil, granting Indian citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamils returning to India, providing a monthly allowance of Rs 1000 for women nationwide, abolishing toll gates on national highways, rejecting the implementation of CAA, fixing LPG prices at Rs 500, and setting petrol and diesel rates at Rs 75 and Rs 65, respectively. Additionally, the manifesto opposes the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code.
DMK MP Kanimozhi highlighted the significance of the party’s manifesto, stating that the DMK prioritizes manifesto development and values public input. She expressed confidence in the manifesto’s ability to promote the Dravidian model across India and ensure success not only in Tamil Nadu but also at the national level.
Tamil Nadu is scheduled to vote on April 19 in a single-phase polling. In the previous 2019 general elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Secular Progressive Alliance secured a resounding victory, winning 38 out of the 39 seats, demonstrating strong support from the electorate.
