NCP chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday issued the party’s manifesto for next month’s Assam assembly elections, promising five key guarantees, including cash transfers to women, health insurance and land rights if voted to power.
Addressing a public rally in Naupojsa, Karji said that all women will receive an “unconditional” monthly cash transfer to their bank accounts, with the exception of $50,000 to start their own businesses if Congress votes in favor.
“We consider the cash transfer unconditional because the money the BJP is giving to women now is conditional. To become a beneficiary, you have to be a member of the BJP, but we will not impose such conditions and everyone will get cash benefits,” he said, explaining Congress’ promise of “unconditional” monthly cash transfers.
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The party will also provide guaranteed cashless health insurance, Karg said $25 lakh per family, adding that these promises were fulfilled in Rajasthan, Karnataka and Telangana where the party was in power.
“We also promise to provide justice to late Zubin Garg within 100 days of his coming to power. We will find out who killed him and what the conspiracy was within that time period,” Karg said. The murder trial of Garg, who died in Singapore in September last year, in which seven people, including his former manager, cousin and event organiser, were arrested, has been transferred to a fast-track trial by the Gauhati High Court, and daily hearings will begin from March 30.
He said that instead of issuing annual ‘pattas’ (title documents) of lands like the current government, the Congress will grant permanent ‘pattas’ to million ‘Bhumiputras’ (indigenous people). “This will ensure that people do not have to renew their records annually or seek favors from officials and run from one place to another. We did this in Karnataka where we provided records to 680,000 people,” Karg said.
The Congress statement also promises $1250 every month for all elderly people in the country. “These are the assurances we will give. Hence, I request voters to support the Congress and help us rid Assam of the misrule and corruption that the BJP government is indulging in the state,” Karji said.
Addressing the rally, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi targeted the BJP government in the state for its divisive politics and promised that once his party comes to power, no such measures will be taken.
“I pledge that if Congress comes to power, we will introduce a law under which anyone who targets another religion and tries to create sectarian divisions will be punished with five years in prison,” he said.
