INC unveiled its manifesto for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls on Apr.6 / screengrab from video

INC, led by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, along with former presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, unveiled its manifesto for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls on Apr. 6. The release highlighted the party's commitment to justice through its 'five pillars.'

Titled 'Nyay Patra,' the manifesto focuses on 'youth justice', 'gender justice', 'farmers' justice', 'workers' justice', and 'equity justice'. It also encompasses the party's electoral promises for the upcoming elections.

Head of the INC manifesto committee and former Union Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, presented the manifesto today, emphasizing the party's potential to regain power after the polls. He stated, "Congress has achieved it previously and can do so again."

Chidambaram expressed dismay over the lack of justice in the past decade, particularly in the last five years, saying, "We are not prophets, but we regret to acknowledge that our predictions made in 2019 have materialized in 2024." He highlighted concerns about the erosion of institutions and the progression towards autocracy.

While expressing dissatisfaction with the fulfillment of their predictions, Chidambaram noted the party's efforts to introduce fresh commitments through their manifesto for a rejuvenated India.

INC outlined several promises in its manifesto, including conducting a nationwide socio-economic caste census, passing a constitutional amendment to raise the reservation cap, implementing 10percent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and abolishing contractualization of government jobs.

The party pledged to enhance institutional credit for marginalized communities, provide unconditional cash transfers, establish an authority to monitor land distribution, and expand the scope of public procurement policies to benefit Scheduled Castes.

INC vowed to double scholarship funds for disadvantaged students, ensure apprenticeship opportunities, establish residential schools for marginalized communities, and uphold minority rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The manifesto also commits to promoting linguistic diversity, encouraging reform of personal laws, and advocating for the inclusion of more languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Lok Sabha Elections of 2024 are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases, commencing on Apr.19 and concluding on Jun.1. The results of the elections will be announced on Jun.4.