Playing an early bird, Babulal Marandi–led Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) on Thursday released the party manifesto for the forthcoming parliamentary elections, advocating direct elections of prime minister and Chief Minister and floating a hope for the Third Front Government.
“We have started the debate on the electoral reforms for the direct elections making it a part of our manifesto. However, we would not like it to be modeled on such provisions elsewhere,” said JVM supremo Babulal Marandi.
Interestingly, Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh also echoed the JVM’s stand on direct election for the CMs, though he did not agree to the model for the Prime Minister’s chair.
“The change can be brought at the level of States, however this is difficult to follow in case of the PM’s election,” said Ramesh, who was here on Thursday to attend various functions. The JVM which took a leap in the direction of 2014 lok Sabha elections re-affirmed its stand on supporting non-Congress and non-BJP Government at the Centre. Marandi also minced no words about his dislike for the two national parties.
“We are in favour of a Government which can uphold the principles of secularism in the country and that doesn’t compromise the geographical boundary of the country,” said Marandi.
The former Chief Minister sounded optimistic about the formation of a Third Front, primarily with the efforts by regional parties, in the country and tried to put it as an alternative to the Government formed by either of the national parties.
The JVM also sought to downplay the inherent differences of opinion among the regional parties on a number of issues. Significantly, the JVM joined the chorus of “special status” for the State which incidentally is derived from the party’s views on injustice done to the State despite being rich in natural resources.
“Jharkhand fulfills all criteria required for the special status so the State should get the coveted status,” maintained Marandi. Interestingly, the JVM is banking on issues such as national rehabilitation policy for displaced, effective corporate social responsibility for the
project displaced people, mining guidelines to ensure that defunct mines are filled and returned to those who were displaced because of that and other important issues of regional significance.
The manifesto which is first by any party contesting 2014 parliamentary elections in the State, is aimed at bringing issues to the fore to seize the advantage. The JVM will contest all 14 lok Sabha seats.
“We are releasing the manifesto so that we can train our volunteers in advance and initiate a debate on important issues among theelectorate,” said Marandi.