Friday, April 14 2006 16:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Construction of Ram temple, ban on conversion, abolition of personal income tax for the salaried class and self-employed are the highlights of the Janata party manifesto, released here today (Apr 14, 2006).

Ram temple must be constructed on the site where the original temple existed in Ayodhya, as the Allahabad bench appointed Archaeological committee had clearly stated that there was proof of existence of a temple under the mosque, the manifesto for Tamil Nadu, released by the party President Dr Subramanian Swamy said.

"There must be zero tolerance for terrorism in any part of India," it pointed out.

The manifesto also promised to bring about a Southern Water grid by linking all the southern rivers, introduce massive desalination projects using the vast coastline of the state, declare agriculture as an industry and introduce 'food stamps' in place of PDS in the state.

Utmost attention would be given for the uplift of dalits who constituted a majority in the Hindu society. Scheme for 'education for all' as a compulsory measure would be introduced to prevent school drop-outs. The party would also draw up suitable plans for providing 'soft skills' to youth to enable them face the 'enormous opening in the IT field.'

Government interference in temple administration would not be allowed and management would be given to autonomous bodies. 'Poojaris welfare board' would be revived and free power would be given to temples.