Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, May 1: Mahila Empowerment Party (MEP) unveiled its state election manifesto here at Hotel Bombay Lucky on Monday, April 30.

Addressing the gathering, MEP State president Farida said, "I am very happy to be in Mangaluru. We have fielded 7 candidates in the district for the upcoming elections. Earlier, we had no recognition but thanks to national president Nowhera Sheikh, we got recognition and are now here to strengthen our party in the district. Our party will never discriminate between people on religious lines. All are equal for us. We are in a position where we have to fold our hands or bow our head down to an MLA or councillor to get our work done. But our party will not make people beg or wait for long to get their work done and importance will be given to every individual.

“Through MEP, women are coming forward and proving that we are not lesser than men and the credit goes to our leader Nowhera Sheikh. It has become a trend of MLAs’ son becoming the next MLAs, but in our party a common man can become an MLA or a councillor and serve the public. We will not lose hope and stand with our national president strengthening our party,” she said.

MEP state spokesperson C M Shahbaaz said, "We have always been respecting high profile people and listening to what they say. But our party gives importance to every common man and ensure that they get respectable position. If an MLA is elected from our party, we will show how to make digital India. For vote bank, other parties need Dalits, women and others, but once the election is over, no one is bothered about them or their safety. We promise to deliver as mentioned in our manifesto. If other parties want to change anything, then change the condition of SCs and STs. After Dr Ambedkar, none from their community went on to become the next Ambedkar. There has been drastic changes in the society, but except for Dalits who are still the same. We want to bring a change and hence I urge people to extend their support in strengthening our party.

Mangaluru South candidate Mohammed Iqbal, Moodbidri candidate Abdul Rehman, Mangaluru North candidate Ahmed, Ullal candidate Usman, Bantwal candidate Shameer, Shabana Sheikh and others were present.

Highlights of MEP’s manifesto

According to MEP’s manifesto, the party aims to make Karnataka a vibrant and welfare state. They promise to make and preserve the rich and vibrant heritage of Karnataka, protect and improve the environment including forests, rivers and wildlife of Karnataka, to empower opportunities for education to the families living below the poverty line across the state, establishment of fast track evening courts, special focus on honest and transparent governance, interest free loans to farmers of Karnataka, development of Karnataka as a model welfare state of the country, formation of special task force to protect women from exploitation, oppression and harassment, to establish quality educational institutions such as schools and colleges in every district headquarters of the state, and to establish quality educational institution even in rural areas.

In the district wise agenda, focus is on Dakshina Kannada. The party aims to control communal riots and promote communal harmony. There is focus on water rejuvenation, usage of solid waste management technique to improved garbage disposal, better road quality and connectivity with state highway.