Haryana Elections: The Congress Party released its manifesto for the upcoming Haryana assembly elections on Saturday, outlining key promises including free electricity, free medical treatment, financial assistance for women, a guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, and a caste census in the state.
The manifesto was launched in the presence of Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Udai Bhan, among others.
Key highlights of the Congress manifesto in Haryana include a promise of 300 units of free electricity and free medical treatment up to Rs 25 lakhs for every family in Haryana. The party also plans to provide Rs 2,000 per month to women aged 18 to 60, similar to initiatives in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra of ‘Ladli Behen Yojana’ and ‘Ladki Behen Yojana’ respectively.
The Congress’ manifesto also pledges Rs 500 for gas cylinders.
In a commitment to farmers, the Congress promised a legal guarantee of MSP for crops, immediate compensation for crop losses, the formation of a farmer commission, and subsidies on diesel, if it is voted to power. The manifesto also includes provisions for housing, promising 200 square yards of land and a two-room house for the poor.
Another significant promise is the conduct of a caste-based survey in the state, which the party has long advocated. Congress plans to raise the creamy layer limit to Rs 10 lakhs and provide 200,000 permanent jobs to youth, aiming to make the state drug-free.
In contrast to the central government’s policies, the Congress has pledged to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). To promote social justice, the party will offer Rs 6,000 to senior citizens, the disabled, and widows under various pension schemes.
Haryana elections are on October 5 to elect members to its 90-seat legislative assembly, with counting scheduled for October 8. In the previous election in 2019, the BJP won 40 seats, while Congress secured 30.