AIADMK promises policy changes as Jayalalithaa shows national ambition

New coal mining policy, raising of I-T exemption limit among agenda

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Supremo J Jayalalithaa released her party’s election manifesto for the coming general elections here on Tuesday.

The manifesto not only emphasises state issues but national ones. According to observers, the manifesto clearly shows the 66-year-old leader, projected as a potential prime ministerial candidate by party workers, has got national ambitions.

Speaking to reporters after releasing the manifesto, Jayalalithaa said, “We have spelt out many policies and promises to implement many schemes and aims, not only for the development of Tamil Nadu but the progress of the entire nation.”

The 48-page manifesto contains a total of 43 electoral promises at the national and state levels. On the national level, the party has promised to prevent any disinvestment of public sector undertakings (PSUs) shares and completely stop privatisation of PSUs.  

The party also said it would take steps to change the mechanism of determining prices of petrol and diesel and would also withdraw the authority given to the oil marketing companies to determine these prices. If the AIADMK became part of the new central government, action would be taken to bring back money in foreign banks. The party would take necessary action to modify the coal mining policy to ensure state public enterprises are able to obtain coal at lower prices and at the same time, the revenue to the central government is increased.  

To provide some relief to common people, the AIADMK would take necessary action to increase the income -tax exemption limit to Rs 5 lakh.

The party also promised a macro-economic policy to ensure higher growth, bring down consumer price inflation and reduce the current account deficit and said action would be taken to waive the entire interest payable on crop loans for farmers who repayed on time. The other promises include the Women's Reservation Bill, solving border disputes, interlinking of rivers, a permanent seat for India in the United Nations Security Council, formulating new foreign policy and others.

“To take strong policy decisions, it is essential to have a determined, bold and strong leadership. The AIADMK will provide such a leadership,” said the manifesto.
AMMA'S AGENDA

* Provide a corruption-free government at the Centre
* Prevent disinvestment of public sector undertakings
* Increase income tax exemption limit to Rs 5 lakh
* Change the mechanism of determining prices of petrol and diesel
* Bring back money stashed in foreign banks