NCP releases manifesto, proposes fixed term of Lok Sabha

Its manifesto said there needs to be stability in the thought process of the political leadership as it has to lead a diverse country like India towards social, economic success

Mumbai: NCP, an UPA ally, on Friday proposed a constitutional amendment for a fixed term of the Lok Sabha.

It is also of the view that a legislation be made to curb criminalisation of politics and influence of money power on election process.

These are some of the important promises made by NCP in its election manifesto which was released by party president and union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar here.

The manifesto said political stability does not mean that an incumbent government completes its full term.

"There needs to be stability in the thought process of the political leadership as it has to lead a diverse country like India towards social, economic success," the manifesto said.

The party also said it supports the demand for separate states of Vidarbha and Telangana. Andaman and Nicobar’s demand for statehood is justified and Delhi should be given full statehood, it said.

NCP supports increased budgetary allocation for irrigation sector, further reduction of interest rates for agriculturists, additional loans and expanding the loan waiver scheme to SC/ST/artisans in urban and rural India.

The party has also supported the demand for reservations to economically backward classes in higher and professional education, government and semi-government jobs.