Thiruvananthapuram: With an eye on the upcoming Assembly elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has rolled out an ambitious and welfare-driven manifesto, promising a mix of financial relief and large-scale infrastructure development across Kerala.
The manifesto was unveiled by Nitin Naveen, featuring headline assurances such as two free LPG cylinders annually for poor households, a ₹3000 monthly welfare pension, and a ₹2500 food and health security card for economically weaker sections.
In a major push for infrastructure, the NDA has pledged to introduce a high-speed rail corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, based on a plan designed by E. Sreedharan, with slight modifications. Metro rail projects in both Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode also form part of the development agenda.
The alliance has further promised 20,000 litres of free drinking water per household every month and reiterated its commitment to establishing an AIIMS institute in the state—an enduring public demand.
On governance and policy, the manifesto includes plans to restructure the Devaswom Board and ensure a CBI investigation into the Sabarimala issue. Special focus has also been placed on welfare schemes benefiting ordinary citizens and coastal fishing communities.
Key leaders present at the launch included Rajeev Chandrasekhar, V. V. Rajesh, Sabu Jacob, and Tushar Vellappally. The manifesto was released with the slogan promising “change” and a vision of a “developed Kerala.”
