Keralam election: LDF manifesto promises welfare pensions hike to Rs 3000, eradication of absolute poverty
Kozhikode, April 2
Keralam Chief Minister and CPI candidate from Dharmadam, Pinarayi Vijayan, on Thursday released the Left Democratic Front's manifesto for the State Assembly elections, with a core vision for completing Nava Keralam.
The CPI(M)-led LDF has promised the welfare pension to be increased from Rs 2000 to Rs 3000, eradication of absolute poverty, and 50 per cent job assurance for women.
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the alliance's goal is to transform Keralam into a developed state, bringing significant changes in agriculture, industry, education, and health sectors. He also flagged the Centre's "neglect" towards the state.
Vijayan said, "The past 10 years have been a period of rebuilding the self-confidence of our society. The people recognise this change. This manifesto includes the projects implemented by the LDF government for the development of Keralam and our promises for the future. The government is committed to implementing every item mentioned in this manifesto. The LDF has a history of fulfilling the promises made in the past. Our goal is to transform Keralam into a developed state. To achieve this, the continued support of the people is essential."
"We are moving forward by overcoming the challenges and the Central Government's neglect towards Keralam. This manifesto is a blueprint for the comprehensive development of Keralam. Through this, we will be able to bring significant changes to sectors such as agriculture, industry, education, and health. The LDF prioritises creating more employment opportunities for the youth and improving the living standards of the common man," he added.
The LDF has promised that various government schemes will be integrated at the district level to ensure complete care for bedridden patients and a healthy and enjoyable life for other elderly people. All pensions will be increased to Rs 3000 per month.
LDF has announced 'Mission 100000', a scheme that will be formulated to upgrade one lakh small and medium enterprises to enterprises with an average turnover of one crore rupees. The government will provide support.
The ruling alliance has assured to increase the participation of women in the labour force to 50 per cent and will provide rural economic development to 20 lakh housewives. The backward linkages of this campaign will be rural economic development.
Making KSRTC profitable and having a power-cut-free Keralam are also among the promises.
The move to abolish the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme will be countered, and steps will be taken to continue the rural employment guarantee scheme as in the past, the LDF promised.
The CPI(M)-led alliance announced an amendment to the Single Window Clearance Board Act to have a fast-track mechanism under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister for approval of large-scale projects, including infrastructure.
The Outer Area Corridor will be developed by centring on the Vizhinjam port. The Vizhinjam Industrial Township Project will be implemented with proper land use planning
Poll promises also include the distribution of land titles to those living in the hills, seashores and other outlying areas within the legal framework.
It also called for an Epidemic Forecasting System to anticipate the emergence of new infectious diseases. In addition, an epidemic intelligence system should be in place in the country.
Polling for the 2026 Keralam Legislative Assembly elections will be held on April 9, with the counting of votes on May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23.
The incumbent Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) will look to once again gain control of the 140-member assembly, defeating the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). The LDF-led government has governed the state for around a decade.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Promises are easy to make before elections. Where is the money coming from for all this? ₹3000 pension, upgrading 1 lakh SMEs, making KSRTC profitable... sounds like a dream list. The manifesto should also explain the financial roadmap clearly.
As someone who has worked in public health, the Epidemic Forecasting System is a brilliant and forward-thinking promise. Kerala's handling of Nipah and COVID was praised globally. Institutionalizing this intelligence will benefit the entire country.
"Power-cut-free Kerala" and profitable KSRTC are the two biggest challenges. If they can actually achieve these, it will be a massive development. The focus on Vizhinjam port is key for future growth. Hope the fast-track mechanism for projects works on the ground.
The promise of land titles to those in hills and seashores is crucial for social justice. Many families have lived there for generations without proper documents. Implementing this within the legal framework is the right approach. A good, inclusive manifesto.
While the welfare promises are strong, I wish there was more concrete detail on attracting large-scale private investment and creating high-paying jobs for the educated youth. The SME upgrade mission is a step, but industry needs a bigger push.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.