Congress Manifesto 2024 released for the Lok Sabha elections on Friday focused on 'five pillars of justice' and promised 25 "guarantees". The manifesto was released by party chief Mallikaurjun Kharge and former party presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The manifesto released by the grand old party included some bold promises like the Caste census, increasing the limit of reservation, including all classes in EWS reservation.


The party promised if voted to power, it would provide senior citizens, differently-abled persons, and widows a pension of rupees one thousand per month.


The grand old party promised recruitment for 30 lakh vacant posts in the Central Government. In its manifesto, it further said that after completing the degree, 25-year-old youth would be given one lakh rupees per year as an apprentice for training for one year.


Congress Manifesto 2024: Major Promises From 'Nyay Patra'


– Agneepath scheme will be closed


– Fast track court, compensation in paper leak cases


– One lakh annually in the name of elderly woman/man of every poor family


– 50 per cent reservation for women in government jobs


– MSP Guarantee Law as per the recommendation of the Swaminathan Commission


– MNREGA wages Rs 400


Five Pillars of Justice In Election Manifesto Of Congress


In the election manifesto of Congress, the party emphasised 'Paanch Nyay' or 'five pillars of justice'. These included 'Yuva Nyay', 'Naari Nyay', 'Kisaan Nyay', 'Shramik Nyay', and 'Hissedari Nyay.' Apart from this, it also includes the guarantees made by Congress to the people as part of its poll promises ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, news agency PTI reported.


Earlier it was predicted that the grand old party is likely to promise the youths the 'right to employment' as part of its poll manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Congress's focus on the youth comes as a part of its bid to woo them ahead of the elections, the report stated.


Congress has also been deliberating to propose stringent punishment for those responsible for paper leaks in examinations against those responsible in the country. Thus, the manifesto will suggest measures to bring transparency in government recruitment, the report noted citing sources.


Congress's manifesto would also stress assuring a legal guarantee to a minimum support price, in addition to a caste-based census in India. It would also thrust the welfare measures such as providing financial assistance to marginalised sections of society. Additionally, it will also ensure that these sections get justice and become a part of the state's welfare measures.


Ghandis and Kharge are likely to address public rallies in Hyderabad and Jaipur, a day after the launch of the manifesto. They will likely be highlighting the key elements of the manifesto. 


Congress's 12th List Of Candidates


On April 4, Congress released its 12th list of candidates, naming three candidates from Gujarat. The party fielded Rutvikbhai Makwana from Surendranagar, Hirabhai Jotva from Junagadh and Jashpalsinh from Vadodara. 


Congress on Tuesday unveiled a list of 17 candidates, featuring eight candidates from Odisha, five from Andhra Pradesh, three from Bihar, and one from West Bengal. The grand old party nominated Y S Sharmila Reddy, the state unit chief to contest the Kadapa seat in Andhra Pradesh.


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Rahul Gandhi Files Nomination Papers From Wayanad


Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday filed his nomination from the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, which has been the party's bastion since 2009. He will be competing against CPI-M Leader Annie Raja, who is also a part of the I.N.D.I.A Bloc. The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded K Surendran from Wayanad. Surendran is the BJP President in Kerala.


In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi won the seat with a vote margin of nearly 40 percent, securing 64 percent of the total votes polled.


As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission of India in March, voting in Kerala will be held on April 26 and the counting of votes will be done on June 4.


Who Will Contest From Amethi?


In 2019, Congress's first list of candidates featured both Amethi Lok Sabha seat and Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. On the other hand, in 2024, there is still uncertainty as to who will contest these Lok Sabha seats. With Sonia deciding against contesting from Raebareli, followed by her joining the Rajya Sabha, the party remained tight-lipped on the possible candidates from the UP seats. 


As doubts loom over the Amethi seat, Robert Vadra claimed that the people of Amethi are upset with sitting MP Smriti Irani, and expect him to represent them. He also stated that the people of Amethi want a member of the Gandhi family to return.


Both the parties are also yet to declare their candidates for Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat, where it is being speculated that Priyanka Gandhi may be fielded.


Amethi and Raebareli will go to polls on May 20 during the fifth phase. The last day for filing nominations as announced by the ECI is May 3.


ALSO READ: Congress Manifesto 2024: Caste Census, 50% Quota For Women In Govt Jobs — Silent On OPS And EVMs