Congress ManifestoThe Congress manifesto for the Gujarat assembly elections, released in Ahmedabad on Sunday, has no special schemes for the minorities in store.
- The manifesto focuses on farmers and women with the clear aim of cashing in on the Hindu farmers' disenchantment with the BJP government. In fact the party has even promised to drop power theft charges against the farmers.
- ''We will provide uninterrupted 14 hours power supply. Despite big talks the BJP is still to complete work on the Narmada sub canal. We will complete these if we come to power,'' said Bharat Solanki, Gujarat Congress Chief.
- Though there seem to be no substantial schemes to eradicate unemployment, the Congress promises television sets to all those below the poverty line.
- An obvious attempt has also been made by the party to woo women voters in the state.
- ''We will provide 33 per cent reservation on pro rata basis to women in government jobs. Its our policy that there should be free education for girl child. We will try to implement the schemes,'' said Bharat Solanki, Gujarat Congress Chief.
- Visibly concerned about losing Hindu votes, the Congress has avoided any major scheme for the minorities, perhaps taking them for granted in BJP-ruled Gujarat.
- Small and marginal farmers would be given 50 per cent subsidy on seeds and fertilizers and electricity charges for irrigation pumpsets
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