![\"CM](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-130006895\/cm-vijayan.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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The LDF has placed strong emphasis on employment and skills, promising campus placements, expanded training programmes, and a \u201cBack to Campus\u201d initiative to bridge employability gaps. Women\u2019s participation in the workforce is targeted to reach 50%, backed by support systems such as childcare, safe mobility, and skill development.On the economic front, the Left has outlined an ambitious plan to attract Rs 2 lakh crore in investments over five years, develop industrial corridors, and promote innovation hubs. Public sector units are to be modernised, with a goal of raising turnover to Rs 10,000 crore by 2031.Tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure also feature prominently. The manifesto targets 5 crore domestic tourists by 2031, improved support prices for key crops, and expansion of transport networks including metro and water-based systems. Speaking after releasing the manifesto, Vijayan said the vision was to combine social justice with growth, adding that development must remain \u201cpeople-focused and inclusive.\u201d<\/p>\nUDF: The comeback pitch \u2013 welfare with accountability
<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
The Congress-led UDF has countered with a manifesto blending welfare guarantees with governance and institutional reforms. Released in Kochi, the document was presented by Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy and handed over to Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan. The key highlights are the \u201cIndira Guarantees\u201d announced by Rahul Gandhi. These include:<\/p>\n\n
\n- Free bus travel for women<\/li>\n
- Rs 1,000 monthly assistance for college girls<\/li>\n
- Rs 3,000 welfare pension<\/li>\n
- Free health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh per family<\/li>\n
- Interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh for young entrepreneurs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
The UDF has also promised to legally guarantee welfare pensions, stating they are \u201cnot charity but a right.\u201dEconomic proposals include Mission Samudra to build a port-led economy, expansion of aviation infrastructure, and creation of 10,000 high-revenue enterprises. A \u201cJob Watch Tower\u201d is proposed to track employment trends.On social welfare, the alliance has pledged food security through Indira Canteens, free ration for vulnerable groups, and the \u201cNava Ashraya\u201d housing scheme targeting five lakh beneficiaries.Healthcare and labour reforms include free dialysis for BPL patients, higher wages for ASHA workers, and subsidies for sectors such as fishing and transport.The manifesto also places emphasis on social harmony, proposing a ministry of tolerance and a social harmony department to address communal tensions and political violence.<\/p>\nNDA: Breaking the duopoly \u2013 Identity, benefits and big-bang projects
<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
The BJP-led NDA, whose manifesto was released by party president Nitin Nabin, has combined direct welfare benefits with infrastructure and governance-focused proposals.Among the key promises:<\/p>\n\n
\n- Rs 3,000 monthly pension for women heads, widows, and senior citizens above 70<\/li>\n
- Bhakshya Arogya Suraksha Card with Rs 2,500 monthly support for essentials<\/li>\n
- Two free LPG cylinders annually (on Onam and Christmas)<\/li>\n
- 20,000 litres of free water per household<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
The NDA has also promised to establish an AIIMS in Kerala and expand healthcare coverage under Ayushman Bharat to all residents.<\/p>\n\n
![\"BJP](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-130006870\/bjp-president-nitin-nabin.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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On infrastructure, the alliance has proposed a high-speed rail corridor linking Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, expansion of metro networks, and development of Vizhinjam port into a major industrial hub.The manifesto includes a strong focus on religious and institutional reforms, with commitments to revamp Devaswom Boards and ensure \u201cgreater participation of devotees\u201d in temple management.\u201cWe will protect Sabarimala, Guruvayoor and all other places of worship by revamping Devaswom Boards,\u201d Nabin said.It also promises a time-bound CBI probe into the Sabarimala gold theft case and a dedicated infrastructure mission for the shrine.On the economic front, the NDA aims to transform cities into sectoral hubs, positioning Thiruvananthapuram as an IT capital, Kochi as a shipbuilding hub, and Kannur as a defence innovation centre.Nabin criticised both LDF and UDF, alleging \u201cnegligible industrial growth, economic stagnation and fiscal misgovernance,\u201d and claimed the electorate was seeking change.<\/p>\nCommon ground: Welfare as the political centrepiece
<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Despite sharp political differences, a clear pattern emerges across manifestos, welfare remains central to Kerala\u2019s electoral politics.All three alliances have:<\/p>\n\n
\n- Promised Rs 3,000-level social security pensions<\/li>\n
- Focused heavily on women-centric schemes<\/li>\n
- Prioritised healthcare expansion<\/li>\n
- Targeted youth employment and entrepreneurship<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
This convergence reflects both the expectations of Kerala\u2019s electorate and the competitive nature of its politics, where incremental advantages can decide outcomes.<\/p>\nBeyond promises: The real test
<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
While the manifestos are expansive, the key question remains implementation. Kerala\u2019s fiscal constraints, rising debt, and structural economic challenges pose significant hurdles to delivering on large-scale commitments.At the same time, the overlap in promises raises the stakes of credibility. Voters are likely to evaluate not just what is being promised, but who is best placed to deliver.As the campaign intensifies, the 2026 election is shaping up not just as a contest of parties, but as a referendum on competing models of welfare, growth, and governance.(With inputs from agencies)<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
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![\"The](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130007394,imgsize-1793367,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/decoding-kerala-manifestos-of-party39s.jpg\")
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