The AIADMK hopes to have a major say at the national level when the next government comes to power. Its election manifesto not only indicated what will be done for Tamil Nadu but also spelt out measures to be taken up at the Centre.

The manifesto said that “if a Central Government is formed with the participation of the AIADMK, necessary action will be taken to ensure that there is strong and co-ordinated policy making, cutting across sectors and departments.”

“We have a vision for India in which Tamil Nadu will play a key role… We assure you that the day this vision will be realised is not far,” the manifesto said. According to it, the AIADMK plans to take its populist schemes, such as providing free mixies, grinders and fans, to the national level.

The party also said action will be taken to increase the income-tax exemption limit to ₹5 lakh from the present ₹2 lakh.

Over the past 10 years, the Central Government was not in a position to take any co-ordinated policy decisions. “To take such strong policy decisions, it is essential to have a determined, bold and strong leadership.

“The AIADMK will provide such leadership,” the manifesto further added. The party will take measures to rescind FDI in retail nationally, it said.

Manufacturing zones will be set up to promote savings and to upgrade infrastructure. All state governments will be encouraged to provide cable services. The party will ensure that PSU shares are not divested and will work towards stopping the process of privatisation of PSUs.

The party said it will take steps to change the mechanism to determine prices of petrol and diesel and withdraw the authority given to oil marketing companies to determine fuel prices.

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