Cong releases manifesto for Karnataka with five guarantees, a promise to ban divisive organisations
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Bengaluru: The Congress party in Karnataka has equated the banned Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) with the youth wing of the Sangh-affiliated Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, promising to ban such organisations if voted to power in the upcoming state assembly elections on May 10.
The party's manifesto, called 'Sarva Janangada Shanthiya Thota' (peaceful garden of all communities), stated that the Congress is committed to taking firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations promoting enmity or hatred based on caste or religion.
The manifesto promised to repeal all unjust and anti-people laws passed by the BJP government in the state within one year of coming to power.
It also reiterated the party's five guarantees, including free electricity, monthly allowance to women heads of the family, food grains to every person in a BPL family, and financial aid to unemployed graduates and diploma holders. In addition, the party promised free travel to all women throughout the state in regular KSRTC/BMTC buses.
Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, who has won assembly polls a record nine consecutive times in the state, announced a "sixth guarantee" that the promises would be implemented in the first cabinet meeting on the first day of government formation.
The manifesto was released in the presence of former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, KPCC President DK Shivakumar, and Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had urged voters to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying that each vote for the party would protect the state from PFI.
The upcoming assembly elections in Karnataka are crucial for both the Congress and the BJP, as the results could have a significant impact on the political landscape of the state.