DMK promises release of Rajiv Gandhi's killers, abolition of NEET in manifesto

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) released its election manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls on Tuesday. The manifesto promised to make efforts to ensure the release of all seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. The manifesto was released by party chief MK Stalin. The manifesto also assured citizenship to Sri Lankan refugees. Abolition of NEET and waiver of education loans have found place in the DMK manifesto.

The DMK also said that the Central Bureau of Investigation will probe former chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s Kodanadu Estate Heist case. In April 2017, a security guard of the Kodanad estate, Jayalalithaa’s retreat home in the Nilgiris, was found dead. During the probe it was found that Jayalalithaa’s former driver C Kanagaraj and one KV Sayan had allegedly plotted the crime. Police arrested 10 people in connection with the case.

The manifesto also mentioned a proposal for full-fledged statehood for Puducherry and compensation to victims of demonetisation will be given. The DMK also promised to restart the Sethu Samudhram project and keep petrol, diesel and gas prices under control. Besides, administration pricing mechanism will be implemented and a law will be formulated to curb human trafficking.

On February 22, Stalin had called upon the public to suggest ideas that could be included in the election manifesto of the party for the Lok Sabha polls. “It is an opportunity to take part in the development of the nation. I am keen on knowing your views since Tamil Nadu has been buried fathom deep in the name of development by the slave AIADMK,” he added.