Manickam Athappa Gounder, chairman of MAK and Managing Trustee of Manu Neethi Foundation, released in Coimbatore on Friday a ‘People’s Manifesto 2026’ for the elections.

A press release said the manifesto urged political parties to focus on improving productivity in agriculture and ensure a stable income for farmers in the State. Tamil Nadu should evolve into a pollution-free State and there should sustainable earnings, and strong action to stop sewage and waste pollution at source. The government should focus on healthy living through preventive care and not just on treatment.

Mr. Athappa Gounder also called for responsible governance so that public money is spent carefully and debt is reduced.

“Citizens must demand accountability and transparency,” he said. “Do not vote for money or false promises. Vote for honesty, responsibility, and vision. Good governance begins with us,” he added.