New Delhi: In the run up for the Karnataka Assembly Polls 2023, Congress on Tuesday released its manifesto. The grand-old party promised to uphold restrictions on Popular Front of India (PFI) and imposing one on Bajrang Dal, a youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), in a bid to keep the communal harmony in the state.

Apart from this, Congress has made several ‘impressive’ promises to farmers, youth and those below the poverty line, if it comes to power in Karnataka.

In its manifesto, the party said that it will extend reservation benefits to predominant Lingayat community and to Vokkaligas, who already support the party in the state.

The state is scheduled to undergo the Assembly polls on May 10 in a single-phases adn the results for the same will be announced on May 13.

For Farmers

Congress announced to increase in the amount free interest free loan from Rs 3 Lakh to Rs 10 Lakh. It will set up ‘Raitha Mall’ in each district.

In case the crop gets destroyed, the Congress said it will invest Rs 5,000 Crore (Rs 1,000 Cr every year) under “Prakariti Vikop Nidhi”.

It will ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) to the coconut farmers and others, as mentioned in the manifesto.

“We pledge to stand with our farmers through thick and thin, and together, we will build a stronger and more prosperous Karnataka,” said Congress in a Twitter post.

For Dairy Farmers 

“We will not allow anyone to destroy the existence of our pride Nandini,” claimed Congress to woo the Nandini milk loyalists in Karnataka. The issue became significant soon after the Gujarat-based Amul brand entered the Southern state.

Amul’s entrance caused a brawl in the state as people started seeing it as a competition to the Nandini, an original brand of Karnataka.

In its manifesto, Congress promised to boost milk production to 1.5 crore litres per day. It has announced zero interest loans up to Rs 3 lakh to dairy farmers to buy cows and buffaloes, and credit cards having limit of Rs 50,000.

It promised to waive off loan up to 1 lakh for sheep/goat farmers.

For Youth 

If Congress manage to form government in Karnataka, it will fill up 2.5 lakh vacant government posts within one year, read the manifesto.

Those who are unemployed graduates will recieve an amount of Rs 3,000 per month, whereas Rs 1,500 will be provided to unemployed diploma holders.

For Women 

Under ‘Shakti’, the party will make free bus travel for woman. Th travelling will be free throught the state in KSRTC/BMTC buses. Every female head of the family will recieve Rs 2000 per month under Gruha Lakshmi Yojna.

The party guarantees to support around 5,000 female entreprenuers and help them to make a successful independent career.

Senior Citizens and Temples

As promised in its menifesto, the Congress promises Rs 1,000 crore under Senior Citizens Welfare Fund. Meanwhile, under the Dharmika Nidhi Fund, the party will allocate Rs 1,000 crore to restore and renovate minor temples and Mathas across the state of Karnataka.

Other Key Promises 

• Free electricity up to 200 units
• Allocation of Rs 15 crores to start Kashmiri Culture Centre.
• One time grant of Rs 25 crore and annual grant of Rs. 1 crore from the Department of Kannada Culture.
• To increase reservation from 50 per cent to 75 per cent, for SC/ST/OBC/Minority/ and other communities like Lingayat and Vokkliggas.

We make these commitments to the people of Karnataka with a steadfast determination to fulfill them, and to lead the state into a new era of unparalleled progress and prosperity.

𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀.
𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀#CongressforProgress pic.twitter.com/LsvZ0odf3a

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 2, 2023