Rahul releases Chhattisgarh manifesto; attacks Modi

In an unexpected move, the Congress on Friday released its 36-point manifesto upon the arrival of its chief Rahul Gandhi in the state, one-upping the BJP that had postponed the announcement of its manifesto for the state.

The Congress made sure the manifesto is released in the constituency of Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh Rajnandgaon, where former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's niece Karuna Shukla will be competing against him.

Rahul is on a two-day visit to Chhattisgarh, and has held road shows in the state.

The manifesto claims that within 10 days of formation of the government, a farm loan waiver will be implemented. The MSP of crops will be finalised and agriculture will be declared a key sector as per the Swaminathan commission.

The MSP of Paddy will be Rs 2,500 per quintal, while that of Maize will be Rs 1,700 per quintal.

Farmers above the age of 60 will get pension provisions. The pending bonus of two years will be given by the government.

The manifesto also says the government will implement the Lokpal Act, under which ministers, including the CM, and all officials will be covered.

A new policy will be crafted to look into the Maoism issue. A complete prohibition on liquor has also been promised.

The manifesto promises reducing the power bill to half for domestic consumption. Each family will be given 35 kg of rice every month for Re 1 per kg.

Other promises include a proposal to bring in 1,000 specialists into the health sector; air ambulance services in Maoist-affected areas such as Bastar, Sarguja and Supebeda; special law for protection of journalists, doctors and lawyers; returning money to investors who lost it in chitfunds; and a promise to reduce property tax by half.

Rahul claimed that the manifesto has been made not behind closed doors but after taking suggestions from the people.

The Congress had handed over the responsibility of drafting the manifesto to T S Singhdeo, the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly.