New Delhi:

The Communist Party of India (M) today released its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections, promising to repeal “draconian” laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The Communist Party of India (M) has called on voters to defeat the BJP, strengthen the left and ensure the formation of an alternative secular government at the centre.

In its manifesto, the party pledged to “firmly adhere to the principle of separation of church and state.”

“The CPI(M) stands for the repeal of all stringent laws such as UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act) and PMLA,” the manifesto stated.

The party said it would “fight for laws to combat hate speech and crime and work towards the repeal” of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has promised to tax the super-rich and introduce laws on general wealth tax and inheritance tax.

The party said the budget allocation for the employment guarantee scheme MGNREGA must be doubled and a new urban employment guarantee law must be enacted.

The Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. Results will be announced on June 4.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)