Mangalore: AAP invites suggestions from public to prepare party manifesto

Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)

Mangalore, Jan 2: In view of the forthcoming 2014 general elections, the local unit of Aam Aadmi Party has invited interested individuals to join the party and requested the general public to give their suggestions to help the party formulate its manifesto for Mangalore Lok Sabha constituency.

Addressing a press meet here on Thursday January 2, AAP district convener Dharmendra said that interested individuals can join the party during a membership programme to be held on January 13 at 10:30 am in  BEM school auditorium, Car Street. AAP state convener Siddharth Sharma will be present.

The citizens of Dakshina Kannada can send their views and suggest action plans with regard to infrastructure, healthcare, education, trade, commerce and industry. "Suggestions can be sent to aapdkunit@gmail.com which will be consolidated to frame the manifesto specifically to the district. This is an exercise which is first of its kind in the constituency and will help the Aam Aadmi Party to understand the needs and aspirations of the people of the coastal region," the AAP stated in a press release.

District advisory committee member S Nandagopal said that the present government has been making fake promises, but AAP will strive to deliver its promises.

Highlighting a few of the major issues, he said, "The Supreme Court has already ordered that Aadhar card is not mandatory for subsidised gas connections, but the gas companies and the petroleum minister are making it compulsory. Money estimated in crores is being misappropriated. These ministers and gas companies are neglecting the order given by the court. The daily needs of people are increasing because of this and it has to stop."

On issue of safety of women in the district, he said, "We often hear about women getting abused and children being molested. No political party has expressed its sympathy on this issue, but our party will fight to ensure better safety for women. AAP will soon discuss the issue with authorities concerned to chalk out an appropriate solution on the issue. AAP will persist on its demand for CBI inquiry in Sowjanya murder case and also stern action against the criminal elements involved in the kidnap and rape of a student at Deralakatte.

"AAP strongly opposes the Yettinahole project which will render the Netravati river completely depleted causing devastating impact on the coastal eco-system and also on the Western Ghats which is considered among global ecological hot spots. AAP demands staying the tendering process of the works to be undertaken as part of the project and constitute a neutral experts committee comprising of environmental sciences and strategists who will study and assess the actual impact of the project," he added.

In a press statement, the AAP also demanded constitution of ward committees in MCC to ensure better functioning of the corporation machinery, adding that it would soon discuss the matter with the DC. The party also called for a white paper on KUDCEMP (Karnataka Urban Development and Coastal Environment Management Project), regarding the present status of the works under the project, the amount spent, the repayment terms and conditions and the burden of the tax-paying citizens of Mangalore. It also opposed the Niddodi power project and demanded a public hearing by the government on the matter.

Joint advisory convenor Harsha Samraj and joint secretary Ajay Kumar were present.