Congress releases manifesto; assures final solution to Naga political issue

The INC manifesto ‘Nyay Patra’ focuses on ‘five pillars of justice’

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 6

The Indian National Congress says it will enter into a “final solution and agreement” with the Naga political groups in its manifesto ‘Nyay Patra’ (Letter of Justice) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections which was released on Friday at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in Delhi.

“A final solution and agreement will be entered into with the Naga groups on the basis of the preliminary agreement that had been agreed in 2013-14,” the manifesto read on its plans for the North Eastern States.

With regard to the ongoing Manipur crisis, it stated that the situation “has gone from bad to worse due to the callous neglect of the BJP/NDA government.” It asserted that “Congress will remove the present state government forthwith and heal the wounds between the communities” and appoint a Reconciliation Commission to bring about a political and administrative settlement that will be satisfactory to all the people of the state.” It further added, “We will ensure appropriate compensation and redress for the victims and survivors of the conflict in Manipur.” 

The Congress also promised to assess the infrastructure deficit in the North Eastern states and provide more funds for building infrastructure. It also vowed to support Border Trade and make every effort to increase the volume and value of such trade.

Besides, the Congress said it will revive the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in the North Eastern states and make them an effective instrument of local government. “We will ensure that more funds are channelised through the ADCs for developmental works. We will ensure that tea garden workers receive fair wages and other benefits in accordance with the applicable laws and agreements,” it stated. 

The manifesto, released by the party chief Mallikarjun Kharge alongside former presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, focused on the party’s commitment to justice. 

The Congress laid emphasis on Paanch Nyay or ‘five pillars of justice’, including ‘Yuva Nyay’, ‘Naari Nyay’, ‘Kisaan Nyay’, ‘Shramik Nyay’ and ‘Hissedari Nyay’ (Youth Justice, Gender Justice, Farmer’s Justice, Worker’s Justice and Partnership Justice) as part of its election promises for Lok Sabha polls.

Of the key promises, the Congress said that it would assist state governments to establish one Government Community College in every tehsil/taluk for students completing Class 12. To boost employment for the youth, it promised to offer a broad range of degrees/diplomas in ‘community colleges.’

The Congress said it will ensure that, like every citizen, minorities have the freedom of choice of dress, food, language and personal laws. It will encourage reform of personal laws and such reform must be undertaken with the participation and consent of the communities concerned.

It will conduct a nationwide socio-economic and caste Census to enumerate the castes and sub-castes and their socio-economic conditions and it will pass a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SC, ST and OBC. It also promised to reserve one-half (50 per cent) of central government jobs for women starting in 2025.

The Congress said it will probe demonetisation, Rafale deal, Pegasus spyware usage, and the electoral bonds scheme and bring those who made “illegal gains” through these measures to justice. The party alleged that in the last 10 years, several measures taken by the BJP-led NDA government were actually a “cloak for corruption.”

We will amend the Press Council of India Act, 1978 to empower the Council to deal with the menace of fake news and paid news, the Congress also stated. 

Confusion over Congress pledge on Naga issue
The Indian National Congress’ pledge to solve the Indo-Naga political issue in reference to an agreement dating to 2013-14 in its manifesto had people in Nagaland raising questions. 

The party promised to solve the Indo-Naga political issue on the basis of “the preliminary agreement that have been agreed in 2013-14.” The details of the stated agreement however were not specified in the manifesto. 

The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Communications Department, issued a corrigendum stating that the pledge featured on page 37 of the manifesto under the caption— North Eastern States, should be read as “A final solution and agreement will be entered into with the Naga Groups on the basis of the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015, and Agreed Position signed between the Government of India and WC, NNPG on 17th November 2017,” and not as reflected.

This was followed by another corrigendum nullifying the first. The second corrigendum, also from the Communications Department, stated, “As and if required, we will issue a statement in adherence with the established protocol of the party. Inconvenience caused is regretted.”