The Congress party, expected to release its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on Friday, is poised for significant shifts in policy direction. Despite previously championing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees as a key electoral platform and implementing it in states where the party secured power, it has now abandoned this promise.
The revival of OPS had been instrumental for the Congress in recent Assembly elections, with its reintroduction credited for electoral successes, notably in Himachal Pradesh in 2022. However, the party’s decision to omit this promise signals a shift in its electoral strategy, according to The Indian Express.
Also Read:Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena drops two MPs in second list
Additionally, the manifesto is expected to advocate for the repeal of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This law, expanded during the Congress-led UPA government and reinforced through subsequent amendments under the Narendra Modi-led government, empowered the Directorate of Enforcement.
Sources suggest that the manifesto is anticipated to address concerns surrounding the electoral process, particularly regarding electronic voting machines (EVMs). While stopping short of explicitly demanding a return to paper ballots, sources suggest the party will emphasise the use of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) and a two-source verification system to enhance transparency.
Also Read:‘People expect me to…’: Robert Vadra to contest from Amethi this Lok Sabha election?
The manifesto, prepared by a committee led by former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, is set to include several promises. Firstly, it is likely to pledge the removal of the Angel Tax, which had been introduced during the UPA government’s tenure in 2012-13. Secondly, it will promise to scrutinize the PM Cares fund and investigate the electoral bond scheme.
Additionally, the manifesto will vow to pass a law to limit the amount of cess collected as a percentage of tax revenues. Cess has been a source of disagreement between the Centre and states because the money collected isn’t shared with states and is solely used by the Union government. Sources suggest that Congress will promise to cap the collection of cess at 5 percent of total tax revenues.
Also Read:Lok Sabha elections 2024: Sandeshkhali to CAA – It’s Modi vs Mamata at mega West Bengal rally
Moreover, the manifesto will pledge to repeal controversial laws such as the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, and review the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. It will also commit to repealing The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, and the three laws enacted by the BJP Government to replace key statutes like the Indian Penal Code, CrPC, and the Evidence Act.
Furthermore, in the category of “repeal and re-enact with changes,” the manifesto is likely to promise changes to GST laws, The Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019, Environment (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2022, The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, The Telecommunications Act, 2023, and The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service And Term of Office) Act, 2023.