Looking southward, Indian National Congress (INC) launched its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Hyderabad today, presenting what the party termed as a "comprehensive vision for the country's future".

Led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by stalwart leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Dr. P. Chidambaram, and Dr. K.C. Venugopal, the manifesto has presented a please-all section guaranttees  as the party's commitment to addressing pressing issues confronting the nation.

Kharge took time to take the people back to the first PM Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi to take a pot shot at the Prime Minister Modi, the formidable face of the BJP for the NDA-III regime.  

Titled "Congress Nayay Ghoshan Patra, it pledges 25 guarantees, with a primary focus on empowering various segments of society, notably women, youth, farmers, and artisans and poor.

The document's main pillars include economic justice, environmental sustainability, social equality, and national security, reflecting Congress' holistic approach to governance, Kharge claimed.

Kharge, in his address, took aim at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of misleading the country and undermining democratic institutions by incarcerating opposition leaders.

He urged party workers to connect with voters at the grassroots level, emphasizing the pivotal role of unity and accountability in shaping the country's future. They need to take manifesto to the voters to make a difference, he said. 

He said the manifesto encompasses a wide array of policy initiatives, ranging from economic reforms to healthcare, education, disaster management, and regional development.

It underscores Congress' commitment to upholding democratic principles, safeguarding media and judicial freedom, and combating corruption across all levels of governance, Kharge said.

With its detailed roadmap for inclusive growth and social progress, the Congress manifesto aims to resonate with voters nationwide, offering tangible solutions to address the challenges of the present and chart a path toward a more equitable and prosperous future, he declared.

As the stage is set for the 2024 elections, the release of the manifesto  seeks to put Congress itself as a credible alternative capable of steering the country toward greater prosperity and progress as a part of INDIA alliance, though Kharge did not make any mention of INDIA alliance in the speech.

The manifesto highlights several key points aimed at addressing the needs and concerns of these segments of society.

1. Financial Support for Women from Poor Families and Job Reservation in Central Government:

The Congress promises to provide an annual financial assistance of one lakh rupees to women from impoverished households. Additionally, they pledge to reserve 50% of jobs in the central government for women.

2. Employment Opportunities for Unemployed Youth**: To tackle unemployment among the youth, the party vows to provide apprenticeship opportunities with an annual stipend of one lakh rupees. Furthermore, they pledge to fill 30 lakh vacant positions in the central government.

3. Digital Transfer of Minimum Support Price to Farmers: The Congress plans to digitally transfer the minimum support price directly to the bank accounts of farmers, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the process.

In addition to these promises, the manifesto includes commitments to abolish caste-based census, increase the maximum limit of reservations to 50%, initiate scholarships for minority students, introduce easy loan policies for them, and kickstart a 5000 crore startup scheme.

Moreover, they have pledged to strengthen laws against party-switching and to abolish the Agni Veer scheme.

One significant announcement in the manifesto is the commitment to uplift 23 crore people out of poverty within a decade.

The Congress also acknowledges the issues surrounding demonetization, the Rafale deal, and the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), promising to investigate them.

However, amidst these promises, there is skepticism among opposition regarding the feasibility of these pledges.

Therefore, there is a call for voters to remain vigilant, use their discernment, and not be swayed by false promises. 

While many may remain skeptical about these manifestos including that of the BJP and other parties, it is essential for voters to stay informed and exercise their franchise wisely, keeping in mind the credibility and feasibility of the promises made by political parties.