Eyeing LS polls, Delhi Congress vows to prioritise local issues

Anshita Mehra

New Delhi, February 28

Arvinder Singh Lovely, President of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, lambasted the BJP government for its neglect of Delhi’s developmental requirements, asserting that the Capital has suffered in all aspects under their governance.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Lovely highlighted the adverse effects of the BJP’s rule on Delhi’s advancement. He criticised the party’s prioritisation of the wealthy elite’s interests, accusing them of disregarding the needs of the general populace. In contrast, Lovely emphasised the Delhi Congress’s dedication to addressing the critical issues affecting all strata of society.

Lovely said, “The BJP government has solely focused on safeguarding the interests of the affluent, a select group of industrialists, and has engaged in policy discussions exclusively with the privileged.” He juxtaposed this stance with Rahul Gandhi’s direct interaction with the common people across Delhi, aimed at grasping their concerns first-hand.

“Though we are contesting on just three seats, we are focusing on making a manifesto for Delhi. This entire exercise will be completed in a week, after which we will release a people’s manifesto,” he said.

He added, “The 50 issues in the Congress’ manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections will be based on the five pillars of Rahul’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra — youth, women, bhagidari, workers and farmers — to give justice to the lower and the middle classes, the downtrodden and exploited sections, industrial workers and contract workers and others.”

Chaudhary Anil Kumar, chairman of the manifesto committee, provided insight into the manifesto’s content, outlining its focus on addressing 30 primary issues and incorporating an additional 20 points to encompass a wide array of concerns. Kumar underscored the significance of tackling critical issues such as price rise, unemployment, healthcare, environmental protection, and more, ensuring that the manifesto mirrors the diverse needs of Delhi’s populace.

AICC general secretary Deepak Babaria reiterated the party’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice through the manifesto. Babaria condemned the BJP’s erosion of democratic freedoms, pledging that the Congress manifesto would uphold the rights and aspirations of all individuals.

‘Manifesto based on Rahul’s Nyay yatra’

The 50 issues in the Congress’ manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections will be based on the five pillars of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra — youth, women, bhagidari, workers and farmers. — Arvinder Singh Lovely, dpcc chief