CPI (M) vows to procure statehood for Puducherry

PUDUCHERRY:

CPI-M

, which is contesting the May 16 assembly elections in Puducherry as part of the six party

People's Welfare Alliance

(

PWA

), on Thursday released its manifesto and assured the people that it would strive hard to procure

statehood

for the

union territory

.

Releasing the manifesto, member of the Tamil Nadu CPI (M)'s executive council V Perumal said the party would also ensure that the accumulated loans due to the Centre over the years were waived if it came to power.

He said the party would persuade the Centre to release a special package of Rs 15,000 crores for the overall development of Puducherry.

The manifesto also promised establishment of Lok Ayukta to act against corrupt ministers and the implementation of prohibition in a phased manner.

CPI is contesting four seats as part of the PWA in the 30-member assembly.