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The Left Democratic Front (LDF) unveiled its manifesto for the Kerala Assembly elections on Thursday, April 2, promising the continuity of 'Nava Keralam’ (New Kerala). Key promises in the manifesto include eradication of absolute poverty by identifying five lakh eligible families, ensuring women employment and guaranteeing jobs for youngsters through campus placements and skill training.
The manifesto, published in two volumes, was released by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in Kozhikode.
The promises include ensuring employment for 50% of the women workforce, providing comprehensive care for bedridden patients and increasing the welfare pension to Rs 3,000.
Through Life Mission 2.0, the manifesto aims to provide homes to all remaining homeless families, making Kerala the first state with housing for all. It also promises interest-free loans for youth startups and the creation of jobs for two lakh professionals by expanding Global Capability Centers (GCC) from 40 to 120.
A massive investment of Rs 2 lakh crore is planned over the next five years for infrastructure development. Development of four industrial corridors (linked to Vizhinjam and Kochi), the completion of the second phase of the Vizhinjam port, metro rail projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, and a high-speed rail corridor have been prioritised.
Other promises include establishing four "Higher Education Cities" in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kozhikode to achieve world-class standards. For farmers, the LDF has promised to increase the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy to Rs 35, coconut to Rs 45, and rubber to Rs 300.
A "Mission Eco-Restoration" to convert monoculture plantations back into natural forests and a commitment to reaching 4,000-5,000 MW of solar power capacity by 2030 has also been made.
Speaking at the launch, Pinarayi Vijayan said the past decade was not merely a period of ordinary governance but a time that rebuilt societal confidence. “The period beginning in 2016, when the LDF came to power, paved the way for a new path of development. At that time, Kerala was grappling with significant challenges and lacked basic infrastructure. After coming to power, the government took steps to address all these issues, and solutions were found effectively in every sector,” he said.