Jaipur, November 25
Barely nine days before the elections, the Congress today released its manifesto promising a “new Rajasthan” to the electorate, sops for employees, women, youngsters, better power generation, water conservation and a look into the various acts of omission and commission of the BJP government.
Releasing the manifesto, state Congress president Dr C.P. Joshi and national spokesman Mohan Prakash did not agree the manifesto was released too late for the public to discuss and react.
“We have been publicising the issues and putting them before the electorate since a year now. The manifesto includes the issues that have come up from various meetings held with the public. The BJP has still not released the manifesto on which it is contesting the elections,” they argued.
The manifesto remains non-committal on the reservation issue by only saying reservation would be provided as per the Constitution of the country. “We would be looking for a constitutional remedy on the issue.” Joshi said.
The Gujjar reservation is a hot issue among the electorate. The BJP has been accusing the Congress of forcing the state Governor (a Congressman) not to pass the Gujjar Reservation Bill sent to him for approval by the BJP.
The manifesto promises one lakh jobs to the youngsters, exploring more avenues of power generations that would provide more jobs, bonus to employees a month before every Diwali, salary to employees to be at par with that of the Centre government employees and Rs 750 per month to women above the age of 65.
The Congress would introduce the land acquisition policy as per the Haryana pattern. The land acquisition has been a major controversy in the state with the BJP accused of giving land at cheap rates to big companies.
“As per the Haryana pattern, the landowners would keep on getting a share in the earnings instead of receiving one time payment.” Joshi said.
The manifesto promises Yamuna and Gurgoan river water to Bharatpur and Alwar. Besides, efforts would be made to provide floride-free water in Barmer, Nagaur and Balautra regions.
