Gehlot’s guarantees may have pride of place in Cong manifesto

The Congress in Rajasthan is likely to include guarantees of former chief minister Ashok Gehlot in its manifesto for general election and make it big issue. Indications of this were evident when the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress announced that the party would release its manifesto for the general elections on April 6 in Jaipur.

The manifesto will be released by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi at a public meeting. Rahul Gandhi will also be present during this time. Pradesh President Govind Singh Dotasra informed about the decision to release the manifesto after a party meeting. Gehlot said the release of the manifesto in Jaipur would be historic. Sonia Gandhi is a Rajya Sabha member from Rajasthan, and the way she has shown her activism in the elections has sparked hope among Congress workers.

The Congress party in Rajasthan is yet to make any official statements regarding the manifesto, but there are indications that it could guarantee the nationwide implementation of the old pension scheme of the previous Ashok Gehlot government, as well as the enactment of a law ensuring healthcare rights with free treatment for all, possibly covering treatments up to Rs 75 lakh.

Additionally, there might be assurances of providing social security. There could also be a focus on increasing reservation, including a push for reservation in private companies.
It will be the first time when the Congress will release its manifesto outside Delhi, in Jaipur. Although the party is not saying anything about releasing the manifesto in other states, there are indications that it might collaborate with allies in Delhi and a couple of other states to release the manifesto jointly.

The party seems to be changing its strategy this time, with Sonia Gandhi gradually becoming more active again. Preparations are underway to raise issues related to the common people. Advertisements in newspapers are reminding people of the announcements made by the Modi government, often with a hint of sarcasm.

Efforts are being made to reach out to the youth, women, and marginalized sections of society. Congress will soon release its list of star campaigners to kickstart the campaign. Sonia Gandhi might also be seen addressing public meetings, seeking votes this time.