The Congress’s manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was a product that was in the making since 2019. Mr Rahul Gandhi undertook a historic journey (yatra) on foot from Kanyakumari to Kashmir listening to the concerns of ordinary people and witnessing, first hand, how and in what conditions they lived, and what their aspirations were. The Udaipur Conclave brought together the leaders of the Congress party for three days to deliberate on the challenges faced by the country, and the possible responses to the challenges. The AICC session at Raipur enabled the party to put together a comprehensive and credible platform of policies that could challenge the BJP in state as well as national elections.
The Nav Sankalp Economic Policy was crafted at Udaipur. The ‘pivot to the poor’ was a position that was deliberated on and adopted at Raipur.
The Congress’ manifesto was released on April 5 and was called ‘NYAY PATRA’. The thread that ran through the 46 pages was ‘justice’ that had been denied to large sections of the people. The word ‘justice’ included social justice, justice for youth, justice for women, justice for farmers and justice for workers. Large sections of the people had been discriminated against and denied a fair opportunity to participate in the growth story — fast or slow — of the country. What the Congress’s manifesto did was to puncture the veil of ‘sabka saath sabka vikas’ and show the mirror to the rulers of the country. It also presented an alternative vision of growth and development with equity and justice. Mr M K Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, described the Congress’s manifesto as the Hero of the 2024 elections.
Initially, Mr Modi and the BJP decided to ignore the Congress’ manifesto. The media too paid little attention to the document. As the translated versions reached the states, and candidates and campaigners took the key messages to villages and towns, the Congress’ manifesto became the talking point among the people (read: Mr Modi Re-writes Congress’ Manifesto, Indian Express, April 28, 2024).
Nine days after April 5, the BJP released its manifesto. No one took notice of it. Nor did Mr Modi extol the virtues of the Modi-worshipping document aptly titled Modi Ki Guarantee. Seven days later, on April 21, polling was held in 102 constituencies. The ‘intelligence’ was apparently bad news for the BJP. It became clear that voters who voted for the Congress and its allies had voted for the ‘promises’ in the manifesto, just as they had voted for the ‘guarantees’ in Karnataka and Telangana. That got Mr Modi’s goat, and he switched gears on April 21.
The script that the BJP laid out for all its leaders and members would have made Goebbels proud: lies, more lies and even more lies; if truth rebutted the lie, ignore the truth. Here is a sample of the lies that have been peddled for the last 14 days:
Lie: Congress’ manifesto has the imprint of the Muslim League.
Truth: The word ‘ Muslim’ did not occur in any of the 46 pages. Minorities were defined as religious and linguistic minorities and the Congress promised “Linguistic and religious minorities are granted human and civic rights under the Constitution of India. Congress pledges to uphold and protect these rights.” There were numerous references to SC, ST and OBC but no reference to any religious community.
Lie: If Congress is elected to power, it will bring back the Shariat law.
Truth: The manifesto said “we will encourage reform of personal laws. Such reform must be undertaken with the participation and consent of the communities concerned.”
Lie: Congress’ manifesto advocated Marxist and Maoist economic theories.
Truth: In the introduction to the 10-page section on the Economy, the Congress said: Congress’ economic policy has evolved over the years. In 1991, the Congress ushered in the era of liberalization and steered the country toward an open, free and competitive economy with regulatory oversight. The country reaped enormous benefits in terms of wealth-creation, new businesses and entrepreneurs, a huge middle class, millions of jobs, important innovations in education and health care, and exports. Millions of people were lifted out of poverty. We reiterate our commitment to an open economy in which economic growth will be driven by the private sector complemented by a strong and viable public sector.”
Lie: If elected, Congress will end the reservations for SC, ST and OBC.
Truth: The manifesto said “Congress guarantees that it will pass a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SC, ST and OBC. The reservation of 10 per cent in jobs and educational institutions for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) will be implemented for all castes and communities without discrimination. We will fill all the backlog vacancies in posts reserved for SC, ST and OBC within a period of one year.” There were many more promises to advance the cause of SC, ST and OBC.
Lie: Congress will impose an inheritance tax.
Truth: In a 12-point section on Taxation and Tax Reforms, Congress promised to enact a Direct Taxes Code; maintain stable personal income tax rates for 5 years; cap cesses and surcharges at 5 per cent; pass GST 2.0; and lessen the burden of taxes on MSMEs and small retail businesses. There was no whisper of inheritance tax.
By putting out lies and enabling the truth of the Congress’ manifesto to be brought into the election debate, and making no reference to BJP’s manifesto, Mr Modi has endorse d Mr Stalin. He has acknowledged that the Congress’ manifesto is the true hero of the 2024 LS elections.
