Rahul Gandhi Emerges as INDIA Bloc’s PM Candidate for Lok Sabha Polls
Rahul Gandhi, a key figure within the Congress party, made a significant statement on Friday regarding the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections in 2024. He disclosed that the coalition of opposition parties, collectively known as the INDIA bloc, would defer the decision on their prime ministerial candidate until after securing victory in the elections. This announcement followed the release of the Rahul Gandhi’s Congress party’s manifesto, reigniting speculation over who would lead the party’s bid for the Prime Minister’s office – Rahul Gandhi himself or Mallikarjun Kharge.
During a press conference, Rahul Gandhi fielded a question reminiscent of past electoral seasons, where the faces of potential prime ministerial candidates adorned the party’s manifesto cover. He responded to the query by emphasizing the coalition’s commitment to fighting an ideological battle unitedly. According to Gandhi, the INDIA bloc had collectively resolved to defer the selection of a leader until the election results were in, highlighting a departure from past practices of individual parties nominating their candidates beforehand.
The Congress party’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha Elections emerged with a strong focus on justice as its overarching theme. Reflecting on the past decade, the manifesto outlined a range of areas where justice had been compromised or absent. One notable promise was to ensure minorities’ freedom of expression in matters of dress, dietary preferences, language, and personal laws. Additionally, the manifesto pledged to establish legal safeguards for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce, offering security to farmers against market fluctuations.
Among other key promises featured in the manifesto was a commitment to providing avenues for skill development through apprenticeships, thereby enhancing employment opportunities for the youth. The Congress also proposed a constitutional amendment aimed at lifting the existing 50 percent cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), reflecting its commitment to social justice and equity.
Furthermore, the manifesto outlined plans to overhaul certain government programs, including the Agnipath initiative, signaling a reevaluation of existing policies and their effectiveness. In terms of foreign relations, the Congress promised to repair diplomatic ties with neighboring nations like the Maldives and Myanmar while adopting a pragmatic approach towards engagement with Pakistan, contingent upon its commitment to curbing cross-border terrorism.
In a bid to bolster India’s global presence and influence, the Congress vowed to expand the Indian Foreign Service, establish additional diplomatic missions abroad, and pursue mutually beneficial economic partnerships rooted in shared values and interests. The manifesto underscored the party’s vision of India assuming a leadership role on the international stage, leveraging its economic prowess and cultural heritage.
Overall, the Congress party’s manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections encapsulates a vision for a more just, equitable, and prosperous India. By addressing key issues ranging from social justice and economic development to foreign policy, the manifesto seeks to resonate with voters and position the Congress as a credible alternative for governance.
