'Garibi par vaar', and separate Kisan budget : What Rahul said at Congress manifesto launch

The Congress launched the ambitious manifesto for the crucial Lok Sabha Elections at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday. Without mincing words, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi openly stated that the idea of his much-talked NYAY scheme was very much doable. “Garibi par vaar, 72,000,” Gandhi said. When asked about the poll narrative, Gandhi said that “if the BJP can give Rs 30,000 loan to Anil Ambani, the Congress can definitely work for people and give Rs 70,000 to India’s poorest.” "Our manifesto proposes to make loan default by farmers a civil offence instead of criminal one," Gandhi said.

The key takeaways of the Congress manifesto included fuel under GST, elimination of poverty by 2030, 33% quota for women in Parliament, separate budget for farmers and more importantly creation of 1 million jobs and filling up of two million vacancies. When asked about mood of voters in post-Balakot atmosphere, Gandhi said that the issues in this election are: rozgar (jobs), bhrashtachar (corruption) and NYAY scheme. He also took a dig at the journalists and said that “you keep on asking question to me, why don’t you ask PM some questions. Are you scared? You also have a duty.”

The Congress took on BJP’s claim of `ease of business’. The Grand Old Party says “entrepreneurs won’t need any clearances for 3 years for us.” On contesting from Kerala’s Wayanad, Gandhi said that, “South India feels hostility from Narendra Modi; I wanted to send message, 'I am standing with you.' “Cong will allocate 6 per cent of GDP to education, will strengthen govt hospitals and give high-quality healthcare access to poor,” Gandhi added.

“Our manifesto process reflects our commitment to a higher vision - that of listening to the Jan Awaaaz. It is not the ‘mann ki baat’ of one individual but the collective voice of lakhs of people. I have personally been listening to people’s voices from all corners of our country. Every single word in the Congress manifesto reflects your voices and the aspirations of crores of Indians. It is an action plan for the future of India. You inspired this manifesto. It is a living manifesto. Now, it needs your support and your vote,” Gandhi said. Earlier, Gandhi had also promised that he will scrap the NITI Aayog and replace it back with a leaner Planning Commission.