New Delhi [India], January 29: The Congress party has unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Legislative Assembly elections, presenting five key promises aimed at improving the lives of the city’s residents.
The manifesto includes a commitment to providing Rs 2,500 per month to one woman in every poor household, a successful initiative already implemented in Karnataka. Additionally, it promises free health coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for all Delhi residents, a policy adopted in Rajasthan.
Other key guarantees include a one-year apprenticeship program offering a stipend of Rs 8,500 per month for unemployed youth, 300 units of free electricity for eligible households, and cooking gas at Rs 500 per cylinder along with a free ration kit.
The Congress party also pledges to restore 15,000 Civil Defence Volunteers, reserve 33% of state government jobs for women, and provide a monthly pension of Rs 5,000 to senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities.
In addition, the manifesto emphasizes the revival of governance initiatives from Sheila Dikshit’s era and strengthening social welfare schemes. Congress says these measures aim to tackle inflation and unemployment while providing direct relief to the underprivileged in Delhi.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh addressed the media following the manifesto launch, stressing the party’s focus on public rights and pollution. “A guarantee is a right for the public, and Congress has made these five main promises for the Delhi elections,” Ramesh said, reaffirming the party’s commitment.
Ramesh also highlighted the critical issue of pollution in Delhi, stating that the quality of life, including breathing, should take precedence over the ease of doing business. He criticized both the AAP and BJP governments for not adequately addressing the pollution crisis in the city. Ramesh drew a contrast with Sheila Dikshit’s tenure, recalling her collaboration with the Japanese government for the Yamuna Action Plan.
The Delhi Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on February 5, with vote counting scheduled for February 8. A total of 699 candidates are competing for 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly.