NDA to promise total prohibition in five years

Thiruvananthapuram: The vision document of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is promising total prohibition in the state in the next five years if voted to power in the state.The document would be officially released by union finance minister Arun Jaitely here on April 30. According to sources, the NDA manifesto would also promise complete withdrawal of the government from liquor business. The number of outlets currently run by the beverages corporation would be cut down in a phased manner. A quota system would be introduced for those who buy and consume liquor from liquor shops and no permission to open new bars would be given. The NDA plans to bring down the availability of liquor gradually and wean away habitual drinkers over a period of time. The vision document was prepared based on the feedback received by BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan, during the statewide journey he undertook after assuming office, and in consultation with NDA constituents.Sources in the party said the document would stress the NDA’s commitment towards environment-friendly development initiatives and has a plan for generation of 3,000 MW using solar power in five years.Other promises include a housing project for the homeless in the name of Sri Narayana Guru and special schemes that would ensure jobs for all tribal citizens who pass SSLC examination.The NDA which has fielded C K Janu as a candidate would also offer schemes to ensure land, food and shelter to all tribal people in the state. The NDA is also promising an education scholarship in the name of NSS founder leader Mannathu Padmanabhan. The scheme would be conceived in such a way that it would be available to students, strictly on the basis of merit. T