DMK releases Lok Sabha poll manifesto, makes promises related to governor’s post
Hindustan TimesTamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Wednesday released its manifesto ahead of the April-May Lok Sabha polls, promising to work to ensure governors are appointed in consultation with the state governments and chief ministers until the gubernatorial office is abolished. “After a change in administration, these Constitutional institutions will operate autonomously and without political interference, as designed in the Constitution.” The DMK said if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, the new Union government would re-establish the Planning Commission to draft plans based on the requests of state governments. “Tamil will be declared as a Co-Official Language in Union government offices in Tamil Nadu, ensuring that all Union government offices, institutions, and nationalized banks in Tamil Nadu operate in Tamil as well, with relevant amendments to Section 343 of the Indian Constitution to be introduced by the new government,” it said. The completion of the Sethusamudram Project, to ensure the economic development of southern Tamil Nadu and to secure the nation’s safety, will be a priority for the new government formed in the union, promising decisive actions.” Lawmaker Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, who headed the DMK’s election manifesto committee, toured across Tamil Nadu to draft it.