Karnataka: Rahul says Congress manifesto has people’s ‘mann ki baat’

Congress President Rahul Gandhi released the party’s manifesto for the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections in Mangaluru on Friday, April 27. Rahul Gandhi said “This is not a manifesto prepared by three or four people in a closed room. This manifesto has been prepared after a detailed interaction with people of every district and community of Karnataka.” Rahul Gandhi added, “I'm not here to tell the people of Karnataka what is good for them. I'm here to listen to what they think is good for them.”

Rahul Gandhi targetted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “PM Modi talks to people about his ‘mann ki baat’ while the Congress manifesto includes the ‘mann kii baat’ of the people of Karnataka.”

He said the Congress delivered 95% of the promises made to the people of Karnataka in the previous manifesto. “We are very proud of Karnataka. The state is home to India's Silicon Valley. I would like to thank Karnataka because its confidence has shown this country a path forward.”

Rahul Gandhi further said that Karnataka respects everybody. “Karnataka is the top job creating state in India & we have received the maximum investments. We will continue in our efforts to build a 'Nava Karnataka.” He added.

Highlights of the Congress manifesto

• Create one crore jobs, at the rate of at least 15-20 lakh jobs each year in the state
• Provide programmes for skill development, encouraging entrepreneurship and increasing youths' employability quotient,
• Create hut-free Karnataka by building 50 lakh houses in the rural areas
• Build 15 lakh houses (3 lakh houses per year) in urban areas
• Increase the budget allocation for health from the current 0.9% to at least 1.5% for "Arogya Karnataka" universal healthcare scheme which provides free treatment to all below poverty line (BPL) families at government hospitals
• Free education to all students from grades 1 to 12 across all state-run schools
• All girls to get free education up to post-graduation in state-run institutions
  All college-going students in the state will receive a smartphone