AAP invokes culture of pluralism in Varanasi manifesto

The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday released its Varanasi manifesto and invoked the “culture of pluralism” of the ancient city. The manifesto appeals to people to vote for “making the river Ganges and Parliament clean”.  The party has promised all-round development of the city.

The manifesto eulogises the city’s contribution to the spiritual and religious evolution of the country and emphasizes the diversity of sects and religions.

 While it refers to Kabir, Tulsi and Ravidas, it also acknowledges the contribution of  Buddha and the presence of Muslims in the city.

The manifesto, which was released in Varanasi by Anand Kumar, Rajmohan Gandhi and Yogendra Yadav along with some local leaders, has vowed to fight for “Holy City” status for Varanasi.  

It says that it should be made an “all-religion Holy City” and the “Spiritual Capital of the World”.
  For this, the manifesto says, special packages from the state and the Centre would be arranged.The party has also promised to pursue the demand of World Heritage City status for the city. 

It will enable the development of the religious and tourist places there. 

The city would not be developed on the lines of a “corporate city”, “instead, the city would be developed as a spiritual centre which will enable people to understand saints like Kabir, Ravidas and Tulsi,” says the manifesto.

 The manifesto has emphasized the importance of the river Ganges and promised to clean up the polluted river. AAP has also promised to make the city free from mafia and goons, apart from giving better education, electricity, water and road facilities to the city’s residents.