The Congress party on Wednesday released its manifesto for the upcoming three-phased Bihar assembly polls.
Referred to as ‘Badlav Patr (document of change)’, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala and All India Congress Committee’s Bihar in-charge Shakti Sinh Gohil presented the manifesto that promises farm loan waiver and 50 percent subsidy in electricity bills to farmers up to 100 units of consumption. The manifesto also promised that it will reject the Centre's farm laws if voted to power.
The Congress said its manifesto was focussed on farmers and promised to repeal the recently enacted agricultural laws like the Punjab government did, and financial assistance to farmers who cultivate up to two acres under the Rajiv Gandhi Krishi Nyaya Yojna.
"Our 'Badlav Patra' talks about loan waiver, electricity bill waiver and increasing irrigation facilities for farmers. If our government comes to power in Bihar, we'll reject the NDA government’s farm laws by bringing in separate state Farm Bills as we did in Punjab," Shaktisinh Gohil said during the launch of the manifesto.
The party also emphasised that its manifesto ensures providing employment for youth, and provides of Rs 1500 as monthly allowance to the unemployed. It has also promised the restoration of 2.42 lakh teacher posts in 18 months.
Earlier, the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar – comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress and Left parties -- released its poll manifesto for the assembly election in which it promised 10 lakh jobs in the first cabinet meeting if elected to power.
The Congress’s 20-point manifesto also promises free education for girls up to masters degree, and a Scooty for girl students scoring 90 per cent in class 12. The party has also tried to play the regional card by promising that Maithili language would be included as a compulsory subject in school syllabus.
Importantly, a Mazdoor Information Centre in all states capital has also been promised for migrant labourers, who have been major sufferers during the lockdown.
Bihar, with 243 assembly seats, goes to polls in three phases: October 28, November 3 and November 7. The results will be declared on November 10.