The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Tamil Nadu): In a significant announcement on Wednesday, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) unveiled its slate of 21 nominees for the Lok Sabha election. At the event, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin, also took the opportunity to present the party’s manifesto, leveling criticisms against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he described as the dismantling of India’s integrity since their ascendancy to power in 2014. Stalin articulated the manifesto as not merely representing the party’s vision but echoing the aspirations of the populace. He decried the BJP’s failure to honor its electoral pledges, proclaiming the formation of the INDIA Alliance as a precursor to seizing governmental power in 2024. The manifesto promises tailored schemes for Tamil Nadu and specific initiatives for each district, reinforcing the DMK’s commitment to fulfilling its electoral promises as a principle ingrained by its leadership.
Stalin emphasized the party’s dedication to its pre-election promises, crediting this ethos to the foundational teachings of their leaders. This sentiment was echoed by Kanimozhi, who highlighted the extensive consultations with residents across the state to inform the manifesto’s development. Among the manifesto’s notable positions is a call for reforming the appointment process of State Governors, advocating for such appointments to be made in consultation with the Chief Minister, pending the office’s eventual abolition. Additionally, it proposes amending Article 361 to remove immunity from criminal proceedings for Governors, rejecting the National Education Policy and NEET in Tamil Nadu, and declaring Thirukural as the ‘National Book’. The manifesto also stands against the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within the state.
The DMK announced its first batch of Lok Sabha candidates, introducing 12 new faces and re-nominating several incumbents, with notable entries such as Kanimozhi for Thoothukudi. The party has strategically placed candidates across various constituencies, aligning with its broader electoral strategy and reflecting a diverse representation. In partnership with the Congress, which will contest nine seats, the DMK has solidified its alliance, which also includes VCK, CPM, CPI, IUML, KMDK, and MDMK, each contesting a set number of seats, aiming to replicate the overwhelming success of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Parallelly, the AIADMK has announced its list of 16 candidates for the upcoming elections, with Tamil Nadu poised for a single-phase vote on April 19. The Election Commission of India has detailed the election schedule, setting the stage for a comprehensive seven-phase electoral process nationwide, culminating in the vote count on June 4.