The Congress party has slammed the BJP's manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, accusing it of being a "jumla patra" and using false promises to gain sympathy. The manifesto, released by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, promises 25 guarantees including the restoration of 100 "ruined temples" and the creation of five lakh jobs. However, the Congress points out that these proposals were not considered during the BJP's tenure in the state and the party dismisses them as empty promises. The Congress also highlights the difficulties faced by the public under the BJP's rule, including heavy taxes, unemployment, and inflation.
With the announcement of the 7-phase election schedule to elect the 18th Lok Sabha, political parties have begun their campaign in full force. While the BJP led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is looking to maintain its dominance, opposition parties like the Congress are struggling with internal issues to take on the formidable ruling party. With Rahul Gandhi's country-wide yatras and focus on crafting a comprehensive manifesto, it remains to be seen how the grand old party will fare in the upcoming elections. Keep up with the latest updates and analysis of the election with #Decision2024 on indianexpress.com.
During an interview with India TV, Prime Minister Modi criticized the Congress for secretly removing reservation for marginalized communities in 9,000 institutions. He called out the party for indulging in corruption and questioned their manifesto which did not mention it. PM Modi also brought attention to the Congress declaring Jamia Millia Islamia as a minority institution, thereby removing SC, ST, OBC reservations.
After the fourth phase of elections in India, the Congress President announced that if elected, the party will increase the ration given to citizens from 5 kg to 10 kg, in contrast to NDA's current policy. He also accused the Modi government of taking 'undue credit' for the free ration scheme, when it was actually implemented by the Congress-led UPA government under the Food Security Act. This promise is a part of the party's manifesto which also focuses on empowering women and providing financial assistance to unemployed youth. Interestingly, this promise comes soon after the Home Minister declared that BJP has already won 270 seats in the elections.
In a roadshow campaign in the Denduluru constituency, Congress candidate Kavuri Lavanya urged voters to support the party and elect Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Minister. She criticized the lack of progress under the current TDP and YCP leadership and outlined her manifesto, which includes significant welfare measures. The event, attended by numerous Congress leaders, highlights the party's strong push for change and development in Andhra Pradesh.
During a press conference, Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized Congress for the recent remarks made by Sam Pitroda, stating that Pitroda has exposed the true intentions of the party through his comments on inheriting political positions. Trivedi stated that Pitroda's statements have provided an "x-ray" of Congress' manifesto, leaving Rahul Gandhi unable to respond.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur sparked controversy with his statement that the hand of foreign powers is visible in the Congress' manifesto, which allegedly wants to give property of citizens' children to Muslims. Thakur accused the Congress of wanting to divide the country on the basis of religion and region, and urged the public to decide whether they support these dividing forces or unity. In response, the Congress has filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Thakur for violating the Model Code of Conduct.
PM Modi criticizes Rahul Gandhi's remark on Rajas and Maharajas being "land grabbers", accusing him of appeasement politics and ignoring the atrocities of rulers like Aurangzeb who destroyed hundreds of temples. He praises the contributions of rulers like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, who recognized the talents of leaders like Dr. Babasaheb and protected places of worship. PM Modi highlights the Congress party's "mentality of appeasement" and challenges their manifesto.
The YSR Congress Party, headed by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, unveiled their election manifesto for the 2024 elections. The party promised to continue all existing welfare schemes and enhance benefits under some key schemes such as Amma Vodi and YSR Rythu Bharosa. The Chief Minister also announced an increase in the eligibility age for old age pensions and higher financial assistance for farmers. With this manifesto, YSRCP aims to secure another term in office with a focus on improving the lives of the people of Andhra Pradesh.
BJP candidate K Surendran, pitted against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the Wayanad constituency, expressed confidence in his victory during a roadshow accompanied by BJP Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai. Surendran also criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, stating that their actions go against India's progress and democracy. He added that only PM Modi can solve the issue of attacks by wild animals in Wayanad, which is also mentioned in BJP's election manifesto.