State autonomy tops CPM manifesto

Releasing his party’s manifesto here, he said that despite the complaint given to the EC on the biased functioning of certain officials, no action has been taken on it. “We feel the EC itself is functioning in support of the ruling party,” he said.

He added that the EC officials in Madurai where his party is contesting are insisting on getting prior permission for the party cadre to undertake door-to-door campaign. Pointing out that the flying squads of the EC were acting against the opposition parties, he said that no actions were being taken on the ruling party members.

Balakrishnan said that defeating the BJP alliance would be his party’s priority. “To increase the strength of the CPM and the Left in the Lok Sabha and to ensure that an alternative secular government is formed at the Centre,” he said.

In the manifesto, the party promises to reform the Centre-state relationship with the objective of achieving state autonomy. “The party will seek more power to the state and also funds. The restoration of the planning commission and national developmental council,” it said, adding that it would ensure payment of unemployment allowance when workers are not provided work.

The Marxist party also promises to review the current role and position of Governors. “Governors to be appointed by the President from a panel of three eminent persons suggested by the Chief Minister,” it said. In line with the demands from TN, the party also promises to scrap the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test. The party also sought the end of the death sentence and also sought release of the seven life convicts.