CPI(M) Tamil Nadu Manifesto Unveiled with Focus on Gig Worker Rights
In a significant political development, Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary P Shanmugam officially released the party's comprehensive manifesto on Monday. The event took place at the party's headquarters in Chennai, marking a clear articulation of the left party's agenda for the region.
Legal Framework for Gig Workers
The manifesto places strong emphasis on addressing the precarious situation of gig workers. The CPI(M) highlighted that lakhs of gig workers currently operate without any legal protection, leaving them vulnerable in the evolving economy. The party has committed to taking concrete steps to formally recognize these workers under labor laws and bring them within a protective legal framework.
Infrastructure and Welfare Promises
Beyond worker rights, the manifesto outlines several welfare-oriented infrastructure proposals:
- Resting places with toilets specifically for women auto drivers and gig workers to address basic amenities and safety concerns.
- Advocacy for separate lanes dedicated to walking and cycling to promote sustainable urban mobility and pedestrian safety.
- A firm stance against what the party terms "customary powers" granted to governors, pledging to fight for their eradication to ensure more democratic governance structures.
Cultural Heritage Demands
The CPI(M) also directed attention to cultural and historical matters. The party has formally urged the Central government to release the detailed reports on the Keeladi and Adichanallur archaeological excavations. These sites are of immense historical significance to Tamil Nadu, and the party emphasized transparency in sharing findings with the public.
The manifesto release by Secretary Shanmugam sets the stage for the CPI(M)'s campaign, focusing on labor rights, urban infrastructure, governance reform, and cultural heritage—key issues resonating with various sections of Tamil Nadu's electorate.
