VARANASI (TIP): The Aam Admi Party will develop Varanasi as the spiritual capital of the world and accord it the status of a “Holy City,” the party’s manifesto for Varanasi constituency released on May 1, promises. The party’s Varanasi candidate, Arvind Kejriwal, skipped the manifesto release function and was in Amethi campaigning for Kumar Vishwas, the party nominee there.

AAP leaders Manish Shisodia, Sanjay Singh, Yogendra Yadav, Ashutosh and Anand Kumar released the poll document. Efforts will be made to get Varanasi the status of a “world heritage” city, the manifesto pledged. Cleaning of the Ganga will be accorded top priority and arrangements made to stop discharge of sewage and municipal waste into the river. There will be a check on plastic and the use of earthen pots “kulhad” promoted in restaurants and tea vends. This will help generate jobs.

The manifesto promises special fi nancial packages to develop infrastructure in Varanasi. Ghats will be cleaned and repaired. Religious and historical heritage cites preserved. Electricity and water supply improved both in rural and urban areas. Hoping voters would remember the party’s efforts at slashing power rates in Delhi here too it talks of making electricity cheaper. The party fi nds it shameful that Varanasi, a city of historic importance that tourists throng to, has erratic power supply.

The party will also make efforts to restore the Varuna and Asi rivers. AAP will ensure that every paisa is spent honestly and transparently on sewage management and road building. Corruption will be eradicated. Banarasi sarees and fabrics are of world fame, but weavers live in penury. To address their problems the party will establish a yarn and finishing plant in the city for weavers. Weavers will be paid the minimum wage, raw material and power supply will be ensured for the artisans, and middlemen will be thrown out.