In a significant move ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party, led by its President Mallikarjun Kharge and former President Rahul Gandhi, released its manifesto at the party headquarters. Titled ‘Justice Document,’ the manifesto outlines five key pillars of justice: “Partnership Justice,” “Farmers’ Justice,” “Women’s Justice,” “Labour Justice,” and “Youth Justice.”
Notably, the manifesto has been dubbed as the ‘Justice Document.’ The Congress party asserts that this document presents an opportunity to fundamentally alter the governance style, which has been evident over the past decade.
Key Highlights of the Congress Manifesto:
– The Congress party appeals to voters to look beyond religion, language, and caste divisions and vote wisely to establish a democratic government.
– The party pledges to conduct a nationwide Socio-Economic and Caste Census.
– Congress guarantees to pass a constitutional amendment to increase the reservation quota from 50% for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes if it comes to power.
– The manifesto promises a cashless insurance scheme for free healthcare up to 25 lakhs.
– For economically weaker sections (EWS), Congress promises a reservation quota of ten percent in jobs and educational institutions without discrimination based on caste or community.
– Congress commits to filling approximately 30 lakh vacancies across various levels in the central government if it assumes power.
– The manifesto also mentions that if elected, Congress will consult with state governments on the new education policy and make amendments accordingly.
– Congress pledges to investigate cases of corruption that occurred in the past ten years.
– The party promises to establish a National Judicial Commission in consultation with the Supreme Court to appoint judges in higher courts.
The presence of party leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, former President Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, along with organization General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, marked the release of the manifesto.