BackDMK manifesto says will press for removal of Article 356
DMK will continue to press for repeal of Article 356 that allows for the dismissal of elected state governments
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Chennai: The Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday unveiled its manifesto for the Lok Sabha election, promising to remove the constitutional provision that allows for the dismissal of an elected state government, push for job reservations in private companies, and conduct a caste-based census.
The party also said it would work towards creating a southern gas grid, and that it would urge the Union government to take steps to bring liquefied natural gas imported to Dahej port in Gujarat to the southern region.
Tamil Nadu votes on 24 April.
The DMK said it will continue to press for the repeal of Article 356 of the Constitution that allows for the dismissal of elected state governments.
To appeal to people from the backward castes, the DMK in its 61-page manifesto said it would work towards constitutional amendments to allow states to decide their own reservation policies, depending on the number of people from backward castes, most backward castes, schedule castes and schedule tribes in their regions.
The Dravidian party said it would waive all educational loans given to poor students from the backward and most backward castes.
Farmers also found focus in the manifesto. The DMK said it would urge the Union government to waive all loans taken out by small farmers and to supply them with seeds, fertilizers, inputs and pesticides as subsidy.
It also promised to work on fixing of minimum support prices for agricultural produce such as food grains, fruits and vegetables and to invite views on how to increase agricultural production.
The DMK had on Monday announced a list of candidates for the national election, allocating five seats to its allies Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Indian Union Muslim League, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and Puthiya Tamilagam. It has not allied with any of the national parties.
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