‘Hum Nibhayenge’: Rahul Unveils Congress’ Manifesto For 2019 Polls

Rahul Gandhi has earlier outlined a number of initiatives that focus on economic and social issues.

File photo of Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressing a function in New Delhi. 

(Photo: PTI)

The Congress released its crowd-sourced manifesto, entitled ‘India’s New Tryst With Destiny’ for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, 2 April. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi released the manifesto, along with party president Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing the party workers and media, Rahul Gandhi said that the process of preparing the manifesto began a year ago, and that he did not want a “single lie” in it.

“When we started this process about a year back, I spoke to P Chidamabaram, (Rajeev) Gowda and gave then two instructions. I said this is not a manifesto to be made in closed rooms but this should reflect the wishes of the people of India. I also did not want a single thing in the manifesto to be a lie.”

Rahul Gandhi, Congress President

The party invoked former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s iconic speech, delivered on the dawn of India’s Independence – ‘India’s tryst with destiny’ – in their new manifesto.

Idea of NYAY

Gandhi suggested that he got the idea for NYAY - minimum income scheme from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise that he would put Rs 15 lakh in every poor person's bank account.

“We caught on to this, and I asked them how much can the government actually put into a poor person’s account? This is how we created NYAY with a real number. The prime minister made fun of MNREGA, but Indians know how much it helped.”

Rahul Gandhi, Congress President

On 26 March, Gandhi announced that his party would create the NYAY income guarantee scheme to guarantee Rs 72,000 a year per family for India’s poorest, in one of the party’s boldest election promises.

Separate Budget for Farmers

Gandhi said that they had “big plans” for farmers and that there will be a separate budget for them.

“We have big plans for farmers. A separate budget for farmers, so they know how much they are getting from the government. Secondly, we know how people like Anil Ambani, Nirav Modi, Mehul Chowksi steal from our banks and run away. But if our honest farmers cant repay loans, they are jailed and it is a criminal offense. We want to change this to make it a civil offense.”

Rahul Gandhi, Congress President

Focus on Education, Healthcare

Gandhi said that Congress will allocate 6 percent of GDP to education and that will strengthen government hospitals and give high-quality healthcare access to poor.

“In last 5 years, BJP government has spread hate and divisiveness. Congress will work towards uniting India, bringing people together. Jobs and farmer distress key issues, 22 lakh government jobs lying vacant which we will fill up by March 2020.”

Rahul Gandhi, Congress President

Congress party in its election manifesto also promised to omit Section 124A – that defines offense of sedition – in the IPC.

‘Will Marry Wealth & Welfare’

Addressing the media at manifesto launch, former Union Minister P Chidambaram said that their poll promises will marry wealth and welfare.

“The Congress party’s manifesto will marry wealth and guarantee welfare. It will focus on three issues – Unemployment, farmer distress and women’s security.”

P Chidambaram, Former Union Minister

“The contents in the manifesto are the voice of millions of people in the country. It addresses the concerns of Dalits, youths, minority, industry, state of healthcare & education, concerns about internal and national security.”

P Chidambaram, Former Union Minister

Gandhi Challenges Modi to Debate

Gandhi said that the PM Modi was “scared” of real issues and challenged him to debate on topics such as corruption and national security.

Read the full manifesto below.