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BJP manifesto promises to ban forcible conversions

Staff reporter

Lalitha Kumaramangalam, Thirunavakarasar release manifesto

PONDICHERRY: The BJP manifesto for the territory promises among other things a bill to ban forcible conversion, more powers to temple administration, separate fund for haj pilgrims and free patta for landless agriculture labourers and daily wageworkers.

The party national leaders Lalitha Kumaramangalam and Thirunavakarasu jointly released the manifesto at a function on Thursday.

The party promises to bring a legislation to ban forcible conversion in Pondicherry. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments would be converted into a Temple Board. Accordingly more powers would be vested with the respective temple administration.

Twenty-four hour medical service would be introduced in all Public Health Centers (PHCs). Wherever necessary mini operation theaters would be set up in PHCs, the manifesto says.

The party also promises to extent the maternity leave to 9 months and introduce free check up to all those above 50.

For the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) farmers the party promises to give free electricity and also to give subsidy on the interest for co-operative loans.

The party manifesto promises to prevail upon the Central Government to recognise the STs in Pondicherry.

If comes to power the party would enforce the Goonda's Act and modernise the police force.

Apart from developing new tourist spots, a ship service would be introduced to Tuticorin and Mumbai from Pondicherry. The party would also expedite the development of the fishing harbour in Karaikal.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Thirunavakarasar said that the UPA government would fall any time after the assembly elections and the country would `be pushed to a mid-term poll'.

"We will come back to power at centre very soon and the BJP promises all financial assistance to the Union Territory," he said.

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