New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the Congress, stated on Friday that forces attempting to undermine democracy and the Constitution are up against those defending them in the Lok Sabha elections.
Gandhi stated during the launch of the Congress manifesto that the election was much closer than the media had suggested and that he was confident in winning the polls.
Responding to a question after the release of the party manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls, he said, a similar idea of 'India Shining' is being propagated now as was done in 2004.
"Do remember who won that campaign," he said referring to the BJP-led NDA's aggressive 'India Shining' campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2004.
The BJP had lost the polls and the UPA government was sworn in.
Gandhi also said that the INDIA bloc has decided that it is fighting an ideological election and a decision on the PM candidate would be taken after the polls.
The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls will begin on April 19.
Right to apprenticeship, a legal guarantee for MSP, and passing a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs are among the promises made by Congress in its manifesto.
The manifesto, titled 'Nyay Patra', was released at the AICC headquarters in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Sonia Gandhi.
It focused on five 'pillars of justice' and 25 guarantees under them.
The opposition party promised to fill nearly 30 lakh vacancies in sanctioned posts at various levels in the central government.
The party also said it would implement a 10 per cent quota in jobs, and educational institutions for economically weaker sections (EWS) for all castes and communities without discrimination if it comes to power.
With PTI inputs