New Delhi: As Haryana gears up for the assembly elections scheduled for October 5, Congress is readying itself with a comprehensive manifesto aimed at winning over voters. The party’s manifesto, which includes six significant promises, is expected to be officially released following approval from Congress high command.
Amitabh Dubey, the coordinator of the Congress Manifesto Committee in Haryana, said that the state team has finalised the manifesto, which has been submitted for high command approval. The party plans to unveil the manifesto shortly thereafter.
The manifesto is likely to address the needs of five key communities: youth, women, farmers, Dalits/tribals, and labourers. Each community will see specific announcements designed to appeal to their interests and concerns.
Six major promises in Congress manifesto
- Mahila Samman Sahayata: Financial support for women, with the exact amount yet to be finalized. There is discussion within Congress about potentially offering Rs 2,000 per month to each woman in Haryana.
- Subsidized gas cylinders: Provision of gas cylinders for every household at Rs 500 each.
- Senior citizens’ pension: A monthly pension of Rs 6,000 for elderly residents.
- Free electricity: 300 units of electricity per month will be provided at no cost.
- Government jobs: Creation of 2 lakh new government jobs.
- Farm loan waivers: Comprehensive loan waivers for farmers.
Caste census: The manifesto will also include a commitment to a caste census and a stipend for the education of children from Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Dalits.
The Dalit community, which constitutes about 20 percent of Haryana’s population, will be a major focus, with 17 assembly seats reserved for them. Congress aims to highlight these promises as guarantees and build their election campaign around them.
Preparation for manifesto
The preparation of this manifesto involved gathering opinions from around 20 lakh people across Haryana, facilitated by a corporate organisation and a private agency. This feedback process reached out to every district and various sections of society.
Geeta Bhukkal is leading the committee responsible for drafting the manifesto, with former Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister TS Singhdev and Congress spokesperson Amitabh Dubey serving as coordinators.
