New Delhi: The Indian National Congress (INC) party released its manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in New Delhi. The manifesto was released in the presence of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Priyanka Gandhi and other eminent leaders of the INC were also present at the time of the manifesto release.

Addressing  the press conference, Chidambaram said that the manifesto will set the narrative for the polls. "The BJP may be the ruling party today but the party is trying to take the narrative to five years back ...to divisiveness and hyper nationalism....Our manifesto is focused on real issues of jobs," Chidambaram said.

Speaking at the press conference, Rahul Gandhi said he instructed party members not to prepared it in closed doors. The manifesto releases the voice of the people, he said. "I do not want a single thing in this manifesto that is a lie because we have been hearing large number of lies spoken everyday by our PM," he added.

Here are the major takeaways of the Congress manifesto for 2019 Lok Sabha elections

NYAY scheme

Rahul Gandhi said that the proposed Nyay scheme would help the economy which got "jammed" due to BJP's demonetisation drive. He gave the slogan: Garibi pe waar, 72000.  Gandhi said his government will eliminate poverty through the Nyay scheme by 2030.

Separate budget for farmers

Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that if the grand old party is voted to power they shall bring in a separate budget for farmers just like there is one for railways. Rahul added that farmer's loan default can't be treated as criminal offence as it is under the Modi regime. If the Congress comes to power they shall treat farmer's loan default case as a civil offence.

MNREGA scheme

Rahul Gandhi said that under the MNREGA scheme jobs guarantee will be increased to 150 days instead of the prevailing  100 days under the Modi govt.

22 lakh government vacancies will be filled

Unemployment is another major area of concern and the Congress shall work to generate employment among youth. 22 lakh government vacancies will be filled. 10 lakh jobs in panchayats. Entrepreneurs won't need any permission for starting business in 3 years.

6 percent of the GDP to be spent on education

Rahul Gandhi said that 6 percent of the GDP to be spent on education. He added that the Congress does not believe in private insurance companies and public health shall be strengthened.

Goods and Services tax will be turned into a simple tax

Congress Party president Rahul Gandhi said if the Congress is voted to power, Goods and Services tax will be turned into a simple tax. He added that the party will simplify GST and minimise tax burden.

Entrepreneurs will not have to seek any permission for first three years for their businesses.

The Congress in its manifesto has also promised to bring fuel under GST within two years.

Gandhi also said that on coming to power, the Congress will work on improving the public healthcare so that the poor too will have access to high quality healthcare services.

Besides, the Congress manifesto has promised to review the controversial AFSPA that gives unprecedented power to security forces in disturbed zones like J&K and some parts of the North East.