Zee Media Bureau/Hemant Abhishek
New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday released its election manifesto for the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency where its convener Arvind Kejriwal faces a tough battle from Bharatiya Janata Party`s (BJP) prime-ministerial candidate Narendra Modi among others.
In the seven-page manifesto, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of "ruining the city`s infrastructure and civic amenities in the last 15-20 years of its rule" in Varanasi.
Among others, the AAP has promised a special economic package from both centre and state, status of `Holy City` (title of heritage site), a cleaner river Ganga and rectification of poor road, electricity, water and education infrastructure conditions in the city.
Also in the offing are sewage treatment plants, referendum on establish of an AIIMS-like college on the lines of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), better health services at every dispensary and grievance redressal of weavers, fishermen and toy-makers; among other things.
"Varanasi will be developed as the spiritual capital of the world and hence it will get the status of a holy city. We will arrange special economic packages from the central and state governments to develop the city`s infrastructure," the manifesto said.
"The Ganga and all the ghats will be cleaned. Plastic will be banned in the city so that the river is not polluted.
"There will be new, better roads, special focus on beautification and cleanliness of the city including places of religious and historic importance ... (to) help boost the city`s tourism."
Promising to end the alleged connivance among police, politicians and the mafia, the AAP said: "The politics of truth and sacrifice will end the unholy matrimony between the three."
Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benares, boasts of about 100 ghats along Ganga River and thousands of galis or alleys throughout the city. A temple or some religious place can be seen at every corner of the city.
Other than Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal and BJP`s Narendra Modi, key candidates from this Lok Sabha seat include Congress` Ajay Rai and Samajwadi Party`s Kailash Chaurasiya.
Varanasi goes to polls on May 12 and the counting of votes is scheduled for May 16.
