Manifestos have come to play a central role in elections. But many voters wonder about the purpose of the manifestos released by smaller parties that make up a political front in Tamil Nadu where coalition governments are unlikely.
In recent days, several constituents of the coalitions led by the AIADMK and the DMK have released manifestos, setting forth promises that the alliance leaders have not made. “We need not follow what the leader of the alliance has promised just because we are in the alliance. We have to proclaim our fundamental ideas. Whether we participate in a government or not, we have to explain our policies to the people. When our alliance partner forms the government, we will urge it in the Assembly and in public forums to implement our promises,” says Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K.S. Alagiri.
In fact, the DMK’s allies have advocated prohibition, while the party’s manifesto is silent on the issue. “We have promised total prohibition. When the…