NDA unveils 'Viksit Keralam' manifesto; promises AIIMS and mega infrastructure projects

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With its sights set firmly on capturing power in the state, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) officially released its much-anticipated election manifesto today. Titled "This is the change, this is a developed Kerala" (Viksit Keralam), the document outlines a slew of major infrastructure, welfare, and administrative promises.

The manifesto was officially launched by the party's National President, Nitin Nabin, at a high-profile function in the capital city. He was joined by key regional figures, including State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh, Twenty20 Chief Coordinator Sabu Jacob, and BDJS State President Thushar Vellappally.

Key promises outlined in manifesto

The NDA's platform relies heavily on a combination of sweeping infrastructure upgrades and robust grassroots welfare programs:

• Healthcare & Infrastructure: The centerpiece of the manifesto is the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala. Additionally, the party promises to make the Thiruvananthapuram-to-Kannur high-speed rail network a reality and implement new metro rail projects in both Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.
• Welfare and Subsidies: Aiming to ease the cost of living, the NDA has pledged to provide poor families with two free LPG cylinders annually. The manifesto also promises 20,000 liters of free drinking water per month to every household and a significant hike in the state welfare pension to ₹3,000.
• Religious Administration & Transparency: Addressing long-standing administrative and legal controversies, the party vowed to comprehensively reorganize the state's Devaswom Boards. Furthermore, they promised to initiate a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Sabarimala gold robbery case.

LDF poised to counter with Rival Manifesto

The political temperature in the state is expected to rise further as the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is slated to release its own manifesto later today.

Sources indicate that the Chief Minister has already given his final approval to the LDF document. In a direct bid to counter the NDA's announcements, the LDF manifesto is expected to feature its own set of massive guarantees, most notably the promise of free public transit travel for women across the state.