Seeman, chief coordinator of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), releases the party’s manifesto for the upcoming Assembly elections in Chennai on Thursday
| Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam
The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) has released its 2026 election manifesto, outlining an expansive governance framework centred on decentralisation, social welfare, and Tamil identity.
The manifesto proposes a major administrative overhaul, including the creation of multiple functional capitals across Tamil Nadu to ease pressure on Chennai and improve access to governance. It suggests distributing administrative, legislative, industrial, and cultural functions across cities such as Tiruchi, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Kanniyakumari.
A strong focus is placed on agriculture, which the party positions as the backbone of the economy. The document calls for policies to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods, protect natural resources, and ensure food security. It also stresses water management, environmental conservation, and climate resilience as key priorities.
Women’s representation
On governance, the manifesto proposes dedicated representation for women in legislative bodies, arguing that existing mechanisms have not ensured adequate participation. It calls for reserved constituencies and institutional changes to improve women’s presence in both the Assembly and Parliament.
The manifesto also stresses transparency, decentralised administration, and what it describes as a people-centric model of governance.
The NTK has also highlighted prohibition and anti-drug measures as a major plank, linking substance abuse to rising crime and social decline. It calls for strict enforcement and systemic interventions to curb the spread of narcotics.
In the social sector, the manifesto lays out a broad welfare framework spanning healthcare, education and employment, alongside targeted schemes for specific occupational groups.
On education, the party promises equitable access, skill development and reforms that align learning with employment opportunities, and promote Tamil language and knowledge systems. It proposes improvements in public schooling and higher education, along with measures to enhance vocational training and employability.
Welfare measures
The manifesto also outlines sector-specific welfare measures. For farmers, it focuses on ensuring fair prices and improving irrigation and resource access. For fisherfolk, it proposes safety measures, livelihood support, and infrastructure development.
Labourers and unorganised workers are promised social security and better working conditions, while small traders and entrepreneurs are offered support through policy measures aimed at easing business operations and improving access to markets and finance.
The document further addresses economic development, industrial growth, and support for micro, small and medium enterprises, and proposes reforms in sectors such as transport, information technology, and tourism.
Published – March 19, 2026 03:48 pm IST
