Congress Pledges Overhaul for Haryana Amid Charges of BJP Misrule

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of 'ruining' Haryana over the past decade with corruption and unemployment. Unveiling the party's manifesto, Kharge promised reforms including pensions, permanent jobs, free electricity, and healthcare, as well as a caste census, if Congress wins the upcoming elections.

Accusing the BJP of 'ruining' Haryana with corruption, unemployment, and anarchy during its decade-long rule, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched the party's manifesto for the upcoming assembly polls on Wednesday. President Kharge assured the public that the Congress would rectify these issues.

'The way the BJP has run Haryana over the past 10 years, the Congress party will work to fix it,' Kharge declared. Rahul Gandhi, he added, met with the state's residents during 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' and 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' to understand their concerns. Conversely, Prime Minister Modi, Kharge alleged, meets only selected individuals. The party's manifesto features seven guarantees in seven sections, set to be fulfilled upon forming the government.

Among the promises, Kharge highlighted pensions for the elderly, specially-abled, and widows under the Old Pension Scheme, ensuring each category receives ₹6,000 each. Additionally, he guaranteed 2 lakh permanent jobs for the youth. Kharge further promised ₹2,000 monthly for women, ₹500 for gas cylinders, and 300 units of free electricity per household. Each household would also receive ₹25 lakh worth of free medical services. Farmers are assured a minimum selling price (MSP) and a caste census will be conducted.

'Every household will receive 300 units of free electricity and free medical treatment up to ₹25 lakh. The poor are promised a 100-square-yard plot each, plus ₹3.5 lakh for construction,' Kharge assured. Present at the manifesto launch in Delhi's AICC headquarters were Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan.

The election for Haryana's 90-member legislative assembly is set for October 5, with the last date for nominations on September 12. Counting of votes will occur on October 8, aligning with the Jammu and Kashmir elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)