This Article is From Apr 07, 2014

NCP releases manifesto, promises reservations for Muslims and Marathas

NCP releases manifesto, promises reservations for Muslims and Marathas

File photo of NCP chief Sharad Pawar

Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) released its manifesto on Monday through email keeping Election Commission guidelines in mind.

"The manifesto focuses on removing corruption from the country. It is an excellent and comprehensive manifesto. We have canceled our manifesto release function due to Election Commission guidelines. Our leaders were already out for campaigning," NCP Spokesperson Nawab Malik said.

The NCP, which is one of the major allies of the Congress, has promised reservation for Marathas and Muslims in its manifesto without affecting the existing facilities that are provided to SC/ST/OBC and other backward sections of society. The manifesto also supports the demand for statehood for Andaman and Nicobar islands.

While the BJP, which also released its manifesto today, once again came out in support of the Uniform Civil Code, the NCP manifesto says that the party does not support it. But the NCP says it plans to extend reservations to nomadic tribes and shepherds on the pattern of SC/ST reservation. The party also reiterated its commitment to the Women's Reservation Bill if it is returned to power.

As far as judicial reforms are concerned, the NCP manifesto says the party plans to set up an All India Judicial Services Commission for selection and appointment of judges and making the Chief Justice the administrative head of judicial services.

Being a predominantly Maharashtra-based party, the NCP also promises low-cost housing for the poor. It also promises to significantly improve the lives of slum dwellers by rehabilitating them and providing affordable accommodation and realise the dream of cities without slums by 2030.

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