Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday released the Congress party’s manifesto for the February 4 assembly polls in Punjab. The government’s move to scrap high denomination notes that caused a countrywide cash crunch will be an election issue in all five states, including Punjab, said Singh.
Following the release of its manifesto, Congress will hit the top gear in the state that will witness a three-cornered contest this election. The Congress will combat against ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP alliance and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Notably, the SAD-BJP coalition has been in power in the state for a decade now.
Congress may earn some bonus point as cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is likely to join the party on Tuesday. The former BJP MP may fight in the coming elections from Amritsar East seat. It was held by his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu till recently.
Here are key poll promises made by the Congress
#The party said it will have zero-tolerance policy against drug smugglers, peddlers, police officials, politicians, bureaucrats or public indulging in narcotics trafficking.
#It vowed to take away properties of drug dealers within 30 days of assuming power and shut down 5 per cent liquor shops each year.
#Another promise is aimed towards farmers and it include loan waiver; intensify in crop compensation and crop insurance apart from increasing ex-gratia to Rs 10 lakh to relatives of debt-ridden farmers who committed suicide.
#Apart from a job to every family, one lakh taxis and other commercial vehicles will be provided to jobless youth at subsidized rates.
#The party said it will abolish red lights except on emergency vehicles apart from 90% cut in security personnel for politicians and officials and a 2-year ban on foreign travel except where compulsory.
#There will be a complete end to the VIP culture.
#Homeless Dalits, OBCs and minorities with yearly income of less than Rs 5 lakh will get a free house or 5 marla land
#Job for at least one person in each SC family, boost in reservation for OBCs from 12% to 15%
#OBC reservation in educational institutions to be doubled from 5% to 10%
#Loans waiver of for minorities for self-employment activities
