New Delhi: The Congress, in its manifesto for the Karnataka elections, draws a parallel between the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and the Bajrang Dal, saying it will “ban” organisations “promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities”.
“We believe that law and Constitution is sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities,” it says in the manifesto, released Tuesday.
“We will take decisive action as per law including imposing a ban on any such organisations,” it added.
While the PFI describes itself as a “neo-social movement” for Muslims, and rejects allegations of terror links, the Bajrang Dal is the youth wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Among other things, the manifesto promises to restore the 4 per cent reservation under the OBC category for Muslims that the Basavaraj Bommai government scrapped in March.
The manifesto also has several elements that suggest an attempt to play the “soft-Hindutva” card in a bid to take on the BJP.
Taking a cue from Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s scheme to purchase cow dung, the party has promised to purchase cow dung at Rs 3/kg if voted to office in Karnataka.
The Congress has also promised to provide interest-free loans to women to buy 2 cows or buffalos.
A Rs 1,000 crore “Dharmika Nidhi” fund has been proposed for the restoration and renovation of “minor temples” and “mathas” across the state. A separate “Pooja Nidhi” fund has been promised for temples under the state’s Muzrai Department.
“Karnataka has around 1,80,000 temples, of which only 35,500 temples come under the Muzrai department. These temples are neglected by the Muzrai Department,” says the manifesto, adding that the party will “increase monthly grants to Muzrai temples”.
The party has also announced a Rs 5,000/month honorarium for all senior priests [above 60 years of age] of temples, mosques, churches, and other religious institutions.
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Old Pension Scheme and farm laws
The party has promised to fill up approved vacancies in all government departments within one year, and “consider” the extension of the Old Pension Scheme “to the pensionable government employees who joined service after 2006”.
The erstwhile B.S. Yediyurappa government in Karnataka had passed laws modelled on the Modi government’s contentious farm laws, which were withdrawn following a prolonged protest by farmers at Delhi borders. The Congress has promised to withdraw the state laws as well if it comes to power.
‘Freebies’ & housing for all
The Karnataka Congress has also promised that it will ensure that all homeless families in Karnataka have a house “under existing schemes” within 5 years. Another promise is waiving all housing loans under various government schemes as a “one-time measure”.
The five “guarantees” that the party has mentioned repeatedly in its rallies are also part of the manifesto. These are: 200 units of free electricity for all, Rs 2,000/month to every woman head of the family, 10 kg/month of foodgrains to every Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, and grants of Rs 3,000 and Rs 1,500 per month to unemployed graduates and diploma-holders, respectively, for two years. The fifth promise is free transportation for women.
Increased reservation, caste census
The Congress has promised to increase the ceiling for reservation to 75 per cent from 50 per cent to accommodate “the hopes and aspirations of SC/ST/OBC/minority”, and other groups like Lingayats and Vokkaligas.
“The Congress party is committed to increase reservation for SCs (Scheduled Castes) from 15 per cent to 17 per cent, for STs (Scheduled Tribes) from 3 per cent to 7 per cent, and restore minority reservation (of ) 4 per cent, and increase reservations (for) Lingayats, Vokkaligas, and other communities…” it adds.
The party has promised to release the results of the 2011 socioeconomic caste census conducted by the erstwhile UPA government at the Centre. This has been a major issue raised by the party throughout its campaign.
Other promises of the party include farm loans of up to Rs 10 lakh at zero interest, increasing milk production in the state to 1.5 crore litres/day, establishing a gold and diamond park in Mangaluru, and a film city in Mysuru.
This report has been updated to correct an error
(Edited by Sunanda Ranjan)
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