Thiruvananthapuram, 31 March (H.S.):Ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Tuesday released its manifesto, outlining a mix of welfare measures, infrastructure projects, and governance reforms aimed at appealing to a broad spectrum of voters.

The manifesto promises a monthly food and health security card worth ₹2,500 for economically weaker sections, positioning it as a major social support initiative. In addition, the NDA has pledged to provide two free LPG cylinders annually to poor households and ensure up to 20,000 litres of free drinking water per month for every home. The alliance also announced that welfare pensions would be increased to ₹3,000.

A key highlight of the manifesto is the long-pending demand for establishing an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala, which the NDA has promised to make a reality. On the infrastructure front, the alliance has committed to implementing a high-speed rail corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur. The project is expected to be executed with modifications to the plan originally prepared by renowned engineer E. Sreedharan.

Further, the manifesto includes proposals to introduce metro rail services in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, aiming to modernise urban transport systems in the state.

On the governance side, the NDA has promised to reorganise the Devaswom Boards and ensure a CBI investigation into the Sabarimala-related issues. The document also outlines targeted schemes for coastal communities and traditional fishing families.

The manifesto was released by BJP national president Nithin Nabeen under the slogan “This is Change, This is a Developed Kerala.” Prominent leaders, including BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Mayor V.V. Rajesh, Twenty20 coordinator-in-chief Sabu Jacob, and BDJS state president Thushar Vellappally, were present at the launch event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman