The Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist, which is contesting from four constituencies in the Assembly elections, has sought statehood for the union territory and uniform development of its four regions.

In its poll manifesto released on Wednesday, the party said it would persist in its efforts for according statehood to Pondicherry. Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam should be equally developed, it said.

P Shankaran, the party's chairman of election committee said the party would 'strike at the root of the corruption-friendly front constituted by the Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and (its) allies'.

"The opportunist alliance constituted by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Puducherry Munnetra Congress and their alliance partners would also be challenged effectively," he said.

The manifesto said the party would seek early conduct of the civic polls. It also sought a separate welfare board for the workers in unorganised sector, a monthly assistance of Rs 1000 for unemployed youth and low interest loans for entrepreneurs, farmers and weavers, among others.

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