Kozhikode, 02 April (H.S.):The Left Democratic Front (LDF) on Thursday unveiled its election manifesto for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls, outlining an ambitious roadmap focused on welfare expansion, economic growth, and infrastructure development. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan released the manifesto at a function held at the Kozhikode district committee office.
The manifesto presents a comprehensive 60-point development agenda, with a strong emphasis on improving living standards and accelerating Kerala’s transition into a knowledge-driven economy. A key promise includes raising welfare pensions to ₹3,000 per month, a move aimed at strengthening social security for vulnerable sections.
The LDF has set an ambitious target of transforming Kerala into an economy comparable to upper-middle-income countries by 2031. It has also pledged to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are equitably distributed among all citizens.
In the education and employment sectors, the front has promised assured job opportunities for those educated in Kerala, along with campus placements for graduates. Plans include establishing a Skill University and enhancing higher education standards to global levels. The manifesto also commits to ensuring employment for 50% of women, reflecting a focus on gender inclusion in the workforce.
Infrastructure development features prominently, with continued efforts towards a high-speed rail corridor and making the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) profitable. The LDF has also promised to integrate various government schemes at the grassroots level to provide comprehensive care for bedridden patients and improve the quality of life for the elderly.
Housing and basic amenities remain central to the agenda. The front aims to make Kerala a fully housing-secure state while ensuring access to clean drinking water in every household. Interest-free loans for educated entrepreneurs and the creation of industrial township authorities are also part of the plan.
The manifesto highlights major economic initiatives, including the Vizhinjam Outer Area Growth Corridor and the Chavara–Kochi Rare Earth Corridor. It also promises to support agriculture by increasing minimum support prices for paddy, vegetables, and rubber, with payments ensured at the time of procurement.
Additionally, the LDF aims to eliminate extreme poverty by uplifting five lakh families, expand the LIFE Mission 2.0 housing scheme, and enhance honorariums for ASHA workers. Targets have also been set to attract five crore domestic and 15 lakh international tourists by 2031.
LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan, ministers A.K. Saseendran and K. Krishnankutty, CPI leader K. Prakash Babu, and RJD state president M.V. Shreyams Kumar were among those present at the event.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
