: The Vision Document of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) released here on Saturday seeks to reach out to the Backward Classes, which have so far been less accessible to the BJP, and also upholds the Sangh Parivar demand to hand over the Marad communal violence case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The document, laying a strong accent on fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the marginalised sections, is reported to have evolved from the perception that its alliance with the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) may cause erosion in its traditional vote bank of forward communities and their organisations such as the Nair Service Society and the Brahmana Sabha.
The document has dropped sufficient hints to please the dominant Nair and Ezhava communities and also tribespeople, the latter being claimed to have drifted to the NDA fold at the behest of tribal leader C.K. Janu. A housing scheme in the name of Sree Narayana Guru and a scholarship scheme in the name of Mannathu Padmanabhan for financially backward students of all castes and religions are some of the promises.
Tough proposition
Some other promises in the document, however, may appear to be a rather tough proposition, such as providing government jobs to all tribal youths who have passed SSLC, honing professionals as well as IAS officials from among them and also an initiative to ensure government jobs to at least one member in all tribal families in five years. The proposal to set up social development centres in all panchayats in the name of Ayyankali is also expected to build bridges with the backward classes, say sources.
The document assures that the NDA will thoroughly revamp the temple administration system in the State and reiterates that Sabarimala will be declared a national pilgrim centre.
The commitment to issue a White Paper on environment within three months of the NDA assuming office may suit the image of BJP State president Kummanam Rajasekharan, who has the popular tag of an environmental conservation crusader.
The NDA has guaranteed the launch of a second phase of land reforms, whereby land would be provided to all landless families in two years. The document promises to provide 20 cents of land to landless families in panchayats, 10 cents in municipalities and 5 cents in corporations.
A land bank will be formed in six months of being voted to power.
It has also assured the recovery of 60,000 acres of leased land, the lease tenure of which has expired, and its distribution among the landless.
Some other NDA assurances such as implementing the Kuttanad Package without lapses, disbursal of interest-free loans to farmers and setting up of start-ups have already been articulated by both the Left Democratic Front and also by the United Democratic Front.
The document, lays strong accent on fulfilling the hopes of the marginalised sections
