Election manifestoes of political parties need to be published under a legal framework so that the parties which would come to power would be made accountable to implement the promises.
Speakers opined this while sharing their views at the “People’s Manifesto 2019’ release programme held by People's Manifesto Committee (PMC) in support of many civil society organisations here on Thursday.
“Political parties have a formality of releasing election manifestos before every election to woo voters with promises. But we have seen how political parties are deviating from their announcements. Now time has come to make them accountable to the people. Hence, they should be asked to bring election manifestos under a legal framework,” opined the speakers.
They suggested that the Election Commission of India set up a taskforce to get a declaration from political parties that they would implement the promises made in their respective manifestos, if they come to power. The taskforce should also keep track of implementation of promises made in the manifestos.
Like earlier election years, the PMC started the process of preparing the People’s Manifesto three months ago and conducted consultative meetings with people from village to the State level.
The People's Manifesto 2019 was released in the presence of representatives from various political parties, community leaders, social activists and experts in various fields.
While journalist Sudarshan Chhotaray delivered the welcome address, the programme was moderated by Subas Panda. Sachikanta Pradhan of Rashtriya Yuva Samaj and Manohar Chouhan of the CSD coordinated in preparation of the manifesto.
Among others, Sulata Deo of the BJD, Sudarshan Nayak of the BJP, Ganeswar Behera of the Congress, Santosh Das of the CPI(M), Ashis Kanungo of the CPI, Yudhistir Mohapatra of the CPI(ML), Dhurjati Das of the SUCI, Pravash Samantray of the Samata Kranti Dal, Nishikanta Mohapatra of the AAP, Naba Kishore Pradhan of the Utkal Bharat, Sudarshan Pradhan of the Samajbadi Party, SK Abdul Walli of the RPI provided cooperation.