Congress unveils poll manifesto: Will ban Bajrang Dal, give 200-unit free electricity 

• Increase the subsidy of milk to farmers from Rs 5 to 7
• Constitute Bharat Jodo social harmony committee in every gram panchayat
• Consider extension of the Old Pension Scheme for pensionable government employees who joined service since 2006

A day after BJP promised the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in its manifesto, Congress on Tuesday released the party’s poll manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka, promising a ban on the Bajrang Dal, scholarships to unemployed youths, free travel for women and 200-unit free electricity.

Party president Mallikarjun Kharge, former Karnataka CM and LoP Siddaramaiah, party state president DK Shivakumar and other leaders were present on the occasion.

The party promised to ‘repeal all unjust laws and anti-people laws passed by the BJP government within one year of coming to power’ and take firm action against individuals and organisations for spreading hate, including Bajrang Dal and PFI. The party said: “Law and Constitution is sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities.”

“We will take decisive action as per law including imposing a ban on any such organisations, says Congress in its manifesto for Karnataka Elections 2023,” the Congress tweeted.

The Congress party vowed to increase the ceiling of reservation from 50% to 75% in order to accommodate the hopes and aspirations of SC/ST/OBC/minority and other communities such as Lingayats and Vokkaligas, according to The Indian Express. In its manifesto, the party also promised eradicate corruption in public works and bring in a whistleblower protection act.

Five key promises

The party reiterated its five guarantees — Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, Anna Bhagya, Yuva Nidhi and Shakti — in its manifesto.

Gruha Lakshmi: Under this, the Congress has promised to provide ₹2,000 to each woman head of family.

Anna Bhagya: Every person in Below Poverty Line (BPL) family will get 10 kg of food grains per month.

Yuva Nidhi: Rs 3,000 will be provided per month to unemployed graduates, and ₹1,500 will be given to unemployed diploma holders under Yuva Nidhi.

Shakti scheme: The Congress has promised to provide free travel to all women throughout the state in regular KSRTC/BMTC buses.

Speaking on the manifesto, Kharge said, “I am giving the sixth guarantee that these schemes will surely be implemented in the first cabinet meeting on the first day of the government formation.” Shivakumar said, “It will help us gain majority as it is people-centric. It will brand Karnataka as global Karnataka. We will try to ease the traffic in Bengaluru and ensure employment opportunities in 2 and 3-tier cities.”

-INDIA NEWS STREAM