CPI releases Lok Sabha election manifesto, promises to scrap CAA

The party has also said it will work towards removing the 'arbitrary' 50 per cent cap on the reservation quota, immediately implement 33 per cent women's quota, guarantee of Rs 700 minimum wages under MNREGA and restore the Old Pension Scheme.

New Delhi: Accusing the BJP government of diverting attention through the "chimera of Modi's guarantees and Viksit Bharat," the CPI on Saturday unveiled its manifesto pledging to scrap the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and Agnipath scheme, remove the "arbitrary" 50 per cent quota cap, and introduce Wealth Tax and reservation in private sector.

Calling for the defeat of the BJP government, it also promised to enhance the daily wage under MGNREGA to Rs 700, introduce 33 per cent women's quota immediately, and restore the Old Pension Scheme. The CPI is contesting 25-30 seats across the country this time.

Releasing the manifesto, CPI General Secretary D Raja said, "This election is very critical for the country and its future. The BJP rule has been disastrous. The Constitution is under attack. BJP, being the political arm of RSS, is trying to change the Constitution and ultimately replace it. Everyone knows what happened to Modi's earlier guarantees and the promise of ‘Ache Din’.”

“BJP has become the most corrupt party in modern history, as revealed from the details of electoral bonds. Unsure of victory even through hook-or-crook, the BJP is now resorting to intimidate the opposition but abusing central agencies like the ED but the people of our country see through all this and will answer through the ballot,” he claimed.

The Left party also promised to conduct a Caste Census, increase corporate tax besides introducing an urban employment guarantee scheme and measures to address growing inequality.

It also said it aims to bring central agencies like the ED and the CBI under the purview of Parliament. The CPI is also committed to the abolition of Article 356 of the Constitution and the office of Governor to ensure the proper functioning of the state government without interference by the Union Government.

“We will intensify its struggle for the abolition of the Governor's Office to strengthen federalism by removing Union's interference,” Raja said.

The CPI also vouched for full statehood for Puducherry and Delhi.