The manifesto committee forwarded the document to the CWC for final nod.
In a crucial meeting held on Tuesday, the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party”s top decision-making body, gathered to deliberate and green-light the manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were joined joined by senior leaders such as Ambika Soni, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, P. Chidambaram, Digvijaya Singh, Ajay Maken, and Kumari Selja.
Under the stewardship of P. Chidambaram, the committee meticulously sculpted the draft manifesto, ensuring comprehensive public engagement through platforms like “Awaaz Bharat Ki” to seek submissions and feedback from across the nation.
Kharge, emphasising the party”s commitment to the welfare of citizens, reiterated that the promises made in the manifesto would be dutifully executed, carrying forward a legacy of accountability established since 1926.
In the meeting, attention was also drawn to the 63-day Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which culminated on March 16 in Mumbai, where the Quit India movement in 1942 propelled the freedom struggle. Described not just as political journeys but as monumental mass outreach endeavors, the Congress’ yatras catapulted public issues onto the national stage, the Congress chief added.
The manifesto committee forwarded the document to the CWC for final nod. With a focus on delivering justice, the manifesto outlines five “guarantees” underpinning the party”s vision, encapsulated in the concept of “five nyay” (justices)—”Bhagidari Nyay”, “Kisan Nyay”, “Nari Nyay”, “Shramik Nyay”, and “Yuva Nyay”, each supported by five concrete assurances.
Among the key guarantees outlined by in the manifesto, a series of transformative initiatives targeting youth empowerment takes center stage. These commitments, aimed at fostering inclusivity and opportunity, encompass various facets of employment, skill development, and financial assistance.
The guarantees include a pledge to amend existing legislation to raise the 50 percent cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), ensuring greater access to opportunities for marginalized communities. The party advocates for a comprehensive social, economic, and caste census to facilitate evidence-based policymaking and resource allocation.
Recognising the pressing need for job creation, the Congress manifesto proposes an ambitious annual job package of Rs 1 lakh for diploma holders under the age of 25—an initiative aimed at transforming the employment landscape and empower the nation”s youth.
The party commits to establishing robust social security measures tailored to the dynamic gig economy, safeguarding the welfare of workers in non-traditional employment arrangements. The manifesto also aims to address the glaring deficit in government job vacancies by ensuring the fulfillment of 30 lakh vacant positions.
Later today, the Congress” Central Election Committee, led by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, is expected to finalise candidate nominations for the first phase of elections in 18 states and three Union Territories. The Congress so far has cleared 82 names. It will now focus on Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh among other states.
