Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 12 April 2024
With just a week remaining until the crucial Parliamentary elections in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the electorate finds itself in a state of anticipation as the two major political contenders, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC), have yet to unveil their local election manifestos.
Scheduled for April 19, 2024, the elections for the solitary Parliamentary seat in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have historically been dominated by the BJP and Congress. However, their delay in presenting their electoral agendas has sparked curiosity and concern among the islanders.
An election manifesto serves as a comprehensive roadmap outlining the policies, plans, and promises that a political party intends to pursue if elected. It not only articulates the vision and objectives of the party but also addresses the pressing issues facing the region.
In the absence of manifestos from the two major political forces, the electorate is left wondering about the strategies and commitments that BJP and Congress will put forth to address the islanders’ concerns.
Key demands from the inhabitants of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands include 100% Job Reservation, establishment of an Assembly or Pradesh Council with Executive Power, infrastructure projects such as the Chatham Bambooflat Bridge and the Middle Strait – Baratang Bridge, relief from power cuts and water scarcity, employment opportunities for youth, enhancement of tourism among many other demands.
The delay in manifesto release, heightens the anticipation among voters. It is not merely enough for the demands to be listed; the electorate seeks clarity on the timelines and strategies for their implementation.