AIADMK manifesto promises corruption-free govt.

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, APRIL 14. The AIADMK has promised to provide a clean government devoid of corruption at all levels and to implement several progressive development schemes with speed and efficiency to enable Tamil Nadu to become the country's `most advanced State'.

In the manifesto released today, the AIADMK assailed the five- year-long DMK regime for ``political interference, nepotism, corruption, malpractice, maladministration and heinous crimes''. Contending that this had led to disruption of law and order, violence and extremism that posed a threat to the people's peaceful existence, the manifesto said an AIADMK rule under Ms. Jayalalitha was committed to taking stringent measures to totally eradicate extremist, secessionist and separatist movements. It would preserve and strengthen the country's sovereignty, unity and integrity and ensure peace, it added.

Recalling the earlier AIADMK regime's efforts to put down terrorism and to curb the activities of jungle brigand, Veerappan between 1991 and 1996, the manifesto severely criticised the DMK regime's handling of last year's actor Rajkumar kidnap episode. After putting down Veerappan and his gang with an iron hand, the AIADMK would ``reveal...all the sordid machinations of the outrageous drama'' and urge the Union Government to intervene effectively before ``things go out of control''.

The Centre would be urged to ban the Tamil Nadu Liberation Front, the TNLA, TNRT and other ``militant anti- national groups which are in league with Veerappan's gang''.

Stating that the Centre would be urged to take legal action against Mr. Karunanidhi and other political leaders, ``who are lending support to the separatist, extremist and criminal forces'', the party manifesto also promised to take all possible steps to guard Tamil Nadu's coastline.

The AIADMK manifesto said the corruption in the present regime had led to a `money flow scarcity'. It accused the DMK of misusing a satellite television channel to suppress rival operators.

In eight pages, it listed a series of `scandals' such as those in cement price manipulation, in the public distribution system, copra and medical equipment procurement, government purchases, in the TNEB and transport department and promised speedy remedial action and legal against those involved in the scandals.

It was also critical of the DMK regime as well as the BJP-led Central government for their handling of the Cauvery dispute. It described the forming of the Cauvery River Water Authority (CWRA) comprising four Chief Ministers and the Prime Minister, as a `betrayal' of the State.

The party promised swift action for urging the government to enable Tamil Nadu get its due legal rights in the Cauvery dispute and resolve the Mullaiperiyar dam issue. The Centre would also be urged to implement a project connecting the Pamba Achankovil and Vaigai rivers.

Even while promising a special scheme to provide incentives to the world Tamil community to enable them cherish Tamil language, art and culture, the manifesto said it was distressing to see that the Sri Lankan Tamil community facing repression and ruination at the hands of the dominant Sinhala community. The Centre would be urged to take steps to enable Sri Lankan Tamils to acquire their legitimate rights and get a peaceful and dignified life.

In an apparent reference to the LTTE, the AIADMK manifesto said terrorism that affected peaceful atmosphere of Tamil Nadu would ``never be allowed nor militants be ever permitted to use the State as their base''.

Pledging to enhance the image of the police force and modernise its equipment and training, the manifesto said the strength of the force and number of police stations, including all women stations, would be increased. The headquarters would be connected to all stations and unit offices by modern technology.

On industrial development, the manifesto said an AIADMK government would appoint an expert committee to undertake an industrial survey to locate new industrial areas and to introduce state of the art techniques to increase employment opportunities and modernise industrial units. A modern industrial development scheme would give special focus to drugs and pharmaceuticals, processed agro and food products and software industries and information technology. A Tamil NRI consortium would mobilise foreign investment.

The manifesto promised pension scheme for the unorganised working class and fair wages for agricultural workers. To help indigent women, free cooking gas connections would be provided.

Since the present local administration system was corruption- ridden, an AIADMK government would urge the Centre to replace the three-tier administration system with a two-tier system by a statute change.

The manifesto promised the revamping of general administration and e-governance. It assured Chennai citizens of two new reservoirs and desalination plants to tide over the water crisis.

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Section  : Southern States
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