Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Unveils Assam Poll Manifesto as 'Guarantee Letter'
In a significant political move, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday revealed the party's manifesto for the Assam elections, branding it as a 'Guarantee Letter' aimed at countering the welfare initiatives of the BJP-led government. The launch event took place in Naoboicha, located in upper Assam's Lakhimpur district, where Kharge outlined a series of promises designed to appeal to key voter segments, particularly women and indigenous communities.
Key Promises Focus on Women's Empowerment and Financial Support
The manifesto pledges an unconditional monthly bank transfer of a specified amount to every woman's account, alongside a one-time grant of Rs 50,000 for women entrepreneurs seeking to start or expand their businesses. Kharge emphasized that these benefits would be provided without any prerequisites, contrasting them with what he described as conditional schemes under the BJP regime. 'Our monthly bank transfer will be unconditional. Moreover, we will give women an amount of Rs 50,000 to start or expand their businesses,' Kharge stated, highlighting the party's commitment to equitable treatment for all women.
Kharge Criticizes CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP Leadership
During the rally, Kharge launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of betrayal and labeling the upcoming contest as one between 'the real and fake Congress.' He alleged that Sarma left the Congress party overnight for personal survival and was installed as CM by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sidelining former CM Sarbananda Sonowal. 'Ali Baba is in Delhi and 40 thieves are here in Assam,' Kharge quipped, mocking the BJP's hierarchical structure and implying corruption within the ruling party.
Five Core Promises Outlined in the Manifesto
Kharge detailed Congress's '5 Pratishrutis' (five promises), which include:
- Justice for singer Zubeen Garg, with an investigation promised within 100 days of coming to power.
- Cashless health cover of Rs 25 lakh for every family, a scheme Kharge claimed has been successfully implemented in Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
- Monthly pension of Rs 1,250 for senior citizens.
- Permanent land pattas for 10 lakh indigenous people to secure their land rights.
- Comprehensive support for youth, farmers, small entrepreneurs, tea garden workers, and laborers.
Kharge asserted that the manifesto was crafted after extensive public consultations, ensuring it addresses the genuine needs of Assam's diverse population. 'We will give them permanent pattas so that they don't have to go to offices again and again,' he said, referring to the land rights promise aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles for indigenous communities.
Contrast with BJP's Welfare Schemes
The Congress manifesto explicitly seeks to challenge several welfare programs of the BJP government, which have been popular in past elections. Kharge criticized the BJP for making benefits conditional on party membership, vowing that a Congress-led administration would eliminate such requirements. 'The money BJP gives to women today is conditional. They ask them whether they are BJP members or not. But after our government comes, we will not impose any conditions,' he declared, positioning Congress as a more inclusive alternative.
This manifesto launch marks a crucial step in Congress's campaign strategy for Assam, focusing on direct financial assistance and social justice to woo voters ahead of the elections.
