Punjab polls: Congress releases 13-point manifesto; promises financial assistance to women, 1 lakh govt jobs

Chandigarh, February 18

Punjab Congress promised to end the mafia ‘raj’ in sand, liquor, and cable businesses; Rs 1,100 to women; eight free cooking gas cylinders a year; and one lakh government jobs in the 13-point poll manifesto.

Chief Minister Charanjit Channi, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and former Sunil Jakhar resolved to work together in a show of strength. Channi promised to fully implement Sidhu’s “Punjab model”.

Sidhu said the Congress government would procure oilseed, pulses, and corn from farmers.

The Congress manifesto has come on the last day of the campaigning for the Assembly polls. Sidhu said the party’s 13-point agenda reflects Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s vision.

Arvind Kejriwal was creating panic and insecurity among Hindus to grab power, Channi said.

“So many Hindus have sacrificed their lives for peace and prosperity of Punjab. Kejriwal had lost his mind” said Channi.

The chief minister said he saw himself in the role of “Bhai kanhaiya”—a disciple of Guru Tegh Bahadur—and that he wanted to “take everyone together to serve the people”.

“It will be teamwork and Navjot Singh Sidhu will have the main role. The government will run under the party,” he said.