A poll manifesto is like a cricket team. Parties go all out to make sure it’s loaded with winners. When the goal is to emerge on top in a tight contest, each item should promise good electoral returns, punch above its weight.It helps to have a pool of issues and talking points for maximum impact. But what’s key is selection. Substitution and tweaks are par for the course, to reflect changing attitudes and concerns. And, if pragmatism so dictates, some topics can be dropped altogether. Like DMK’s backing for Sethusamudran project, or AIADMK’s pledge to hike Muslim quota. These staples of the manifestos of the two main parties in Tamil Nadu won’t play any part in the upcoming elections. They have been benched, like an out-off-orm sportsperson.The Sethusamudram shipping canal project, which was backed by former CMs M Karunanidhi, C N Annadurai and K Kamaraj, is absent this time from DMK’s manifesto even though, in 2021, party chief and CM M K Stalin said it would be completed after govt formation to bring economic benefit to the state’s southern districts.The over ₹2,000-crore project proposes to dredge a 167km channel across Palk Strait, Palk Bay and Adam’s Bridge between India and Sri Lanka, linking the Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mannar. BJP, which is an ally of AIADMK, opposed it on the basis of claims around Ram Setu. Union minister Nitin Gadkari recently told Parliament that it will not be disturbed, and an alternative plan will go to Supreme Court.DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai explained that the 2026 manifesto is a state-specific one, and that the project is very much a part of their goals. “Sethusamudram is one of the projects that’s dear come from agricultural and other such sources should not be considered. This strengthens our position, and we will continue to press for removal of the creamy layer,” said Saravanan. Other omissions include steps to reconstitute the Legislative Council, live telecast of assembly proceedings, and reduction of petrol and diesel prices.On prohibition, while Karunanidhi proposed phased closure of TASMAC shops in 2016, the 2021 and 2026 manifestos under Stalin do not include such a commitment.AIADMK, under Edappadi K Palaniswami, has omitted key promises made by late party stalwart J Jayalalithaa, including hiking Muslim reservation from 3.5% to 7%. Jayalalithaa had sent a proposal to the minorities welfare commission, but the 2026 and 2021 manifestos do not mention it. EPS has also moved away from Jayalalithaa’s stand against NEET exam. While rivals want the test scrapped, the 2026 manifesto states that students will be given high-quality training to clear competitive exams. “We are taking a practical approach in our promises,” said a senior AIADMK leader, a former minister.A poll promise that drew attention in 2021 concerns the naming of Madurai International Airport after freedom fighter and icon Muthuramalinga Thevar, a move to consolidate Thevar community votes. EPS had said that the issue would be taken up with the Centre, but the 2026 manifesto does not mention it. Both the major Dravidian parties have also dropped some promises that were made ahead of the 2021 polls, including changing the electricity billing cycle from bi-monthly to monthly.Other parties have also dropped some promises that had gained traction, including Seeman-led Naam Tamilar Katchi’s plan to close cola factories, communist parties’ call to abolish state toll plazas on highways, and PMK’s proposal for the right to recall MLAs. come from agricultural and other such sources should not be considered. This strengthens our position, and we will continue to press for removal of the creamy layer,” said Saravanan. Other omissions include steps to reconstitute the Legislative Council, live telecast of assembly proceedings, and reduction of petrol and diesel prices.On prohibition, while Karunanidhi proposed phased closure of TASMAC shops in 2016, the 2021 and 2026 manifestos under Stalin do not include such a commitment.AIADMK, under Edappadi K Palaniswami, has omitted key promises made by late party stalwart J Jayalalithaa, including hiking Muslim reservation from 3.5% to 7%. Jayalalithaa had sent a proposal to the minorities welfare commission, but the 2026 and 2021 manifestos do not mention it. EPS has also moved away from Jayalalithaa’s stand against NEET exam. While rivals want the test scrapped, the 2026 manifesto states that students will be given high-quality training to clear competitive exams. “We are taking a practical approach in our promises,” said a senior AIADMK leader, a former minister.A poll promise that drew attention in 2021 concerns the naming of Madurai International Airport after freedom fighter and icon Muthuramalinga Thevar, a move to consolidate Thevar community votes. EPS had said that the issue would be taken up with the Centre, but the 2026 manifesto does not mention it. Both the major Dravidian parties have also dropped some promises that were made ahead of the 2021 polls, including changing the electricity billing cycle from bi-monthly to monthly.Other parties have also dropped some promises that had gained traction, including Seeman-led Naam Tamilar Katchi’s plan to close cola factories, communist parties’ call to abolish state toll plazas on highways, and PMK’s proposal for the right to recall MLAs.
