In the political theater of India, manifestos are not just policy blueprints but also a reflection of a party’s vision and commitment. The Congress party’s 2024 manifesto, ‘Nyay Patra’, is a document of progressive promises, aiming to address the deep-rooted social inequities and economic disparities plaguing the nation. However, its silence on pivotal issues such as the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the amendment of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) raises questions about its practicality and exposes the manifesto to criticisms of being rhetorical rather than realistic.
It is worth mentioning that a promise like bringing a law recognising civil unions between couples belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community if it was voted to power is a big step and indeed a progressive one. The manifesto’s progressive rhetoric, with its emphasis on justice and empowerment, is undoubtedly appealing. It paints a picture of an inclusive and equitable India, yet it stops short of laying out detailed plans for the implementation of these lofty policies. This gap between promise and plan suggests a preference for eloquence over substance, leaving voters to wonder about the feasibility of these proposals.
Political calculations are evident in the manifesto’s strategic omissions. The careful avoidance of a clear stand on contentious issues like the abrogation of Article 370 seems to be a desperate attempt not to alienate pro-BJP voters. This tactic, while politically expedient, may come at the cost of clarity and conviction, essential qualities voters seek in a party vying for power. Economic growth concerns are another area where the manifesto’s projections appear optimistic but lack the backing of a solid framework, especially when compared to the performance during previous UPA tenures. This raises doubts about the party’s ability to deliver on its economic promises. Furthermore, the manifesto’s promise of the ‘right to employment’ for the country’s youth, while noble, lacks clarity on its implementation and potential economic impact. Such vagueness does little to instill confidence in the party’s capability to tackle the complex issue of unemployment.
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The Congress party’s 2024 manifesto, ‘Nyay Patra’, stands as a testament to progressive politics in India. It is a document that promises to steer the nation towards a future of justice, equality, and prosperity. This manifesto is not just a political statement but a blueprint for social transformation, reflecting a commitment to the welfare of every citizen. At the heart of the manifesto is the promise of inclusivity. It pledges to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, ensuring that the fruits of economic growth are shared equitably. The focus on social justice, particularly for marginalised communities, resonates with the progressive ethos of leaving no one behind. The ideas, such as the rights of apprenticeship, ensuring rights of press and institutions are also bold stands indeed.
The manifesto’s approach to economic empowerment is comprehensive. It proposes innovative schemes to boost entrepreneurship and employment, aiming to create a robust economy that benefits all. The emphasis on rural development and support for farmers underscores a commitment to those who form the backbone of the nation’s economy. The Congress 2024 manifesto makes significant promises to empower women, pledging a 50% quota for women in government jobs. This bold move aims to ensure gender parity in public sector employment, reflecting the party’s commitment to women’s rights and equality. Additionally, the manifesto promises to implement reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) across all castes and communities, including women, without discrimination. These initiatives are part of a broader vision to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where women have equal opportunities to contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
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The 2024 Congress party manifesto unveils the 'Mahalakshmi scheme', promising Rs 1 lakh annually to impoverished Indian households, directly benefiting the eldest woman in the family. Despite potential benefits, critics deem it impractical and populist for various reasons. Firstly, the significant financial burden lacks a clear funding source, risking fiscal strain or increased taxes. Secondly, implementing such a nationwide cash transfer demands intricate logistics to identify beneficiaries, deter fraud, and ensure efficient fund allocation. Lastly, the scheme's narrow focus on immediate relief without addressing systemic issues is seen as populist, lacking a sustainable economic strategy. In essence, while well-intended, its viability and holistic impact are questioned. States such as West Bengal which already has a similar scheme named Lakshmi Bhandar is facing massive financial crunch. Therefore, such promises lack pragmatism.
In the bustling political arena of India, the Congress party’s 2024 manifesto has stirred a whirlwind of debate. Titled ‘Nyay Patra’, the 84-page document pledges a slew of ambitious reforms, from a nationwide caste census to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Yet, it can be argued that the manifesto is a populist charade, bereft of practicality or pragmitism.
Populism, by definition, is a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. The Congress manifesto seems to check all the boxes of a populist blueprint, with promises that resonate with the masses’ aspirations. However, the feasibility of these promises remains questionable. For instance, the manifesto vows to scrap the Agnipath scheme and provide a legal guarantee to the Minimum Support Price (MSP). While these proposals may garner widespread public support, they lack a clear roadmap for implementation. The financial implications of such promises are immense, and without a detailed fiscal strategy, they risk remaining unfulfilled pledges.
Moreover, the manifesto’s commitment to social justice and religious freedom, while noble, does not confront the complex realities of governance that, under the current regime, have already developed. The promise of a nationwide socio-economic and caste census is a colossal undertaking that requires meticulous planning and execution. In the recently held assembly elections, it was clear that the takers of such a poll plank is not much. In conclusion, while the Congress manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections paints a picture of an equitable and progressive India, it falls short on pragmatism. The grandiose nature of its promises, without a pragmatic framework for action, renders it a populist document that may struggle to translate into tangible change.
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The recent manifesto, while eloquent, lacks a clear stance on pivotal issues, risking its perception as prioritizing rhetoric over substance. The absence of a definitive position on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and amendments to bolster the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) leaves room for ambiguity and speculation.
The UCC, aiming to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set of rules governing every citizen, has been a contentious issue. The manifesto’s silence on this matter raises questions about its commitment to this significant reform.
The PMLA has stirred intense debate, with the opposition contending that the central government has wielded it as a ruthless weapon against political adversaries. However, the Congress remains conspicuously silent on proposals for amending this act. Furthermore, the party has not vocally opposed contentious issues like the NRC or NPR, despite including them in past state election manifestos. This silence begs the question: why the apparent inconsistency in addressing these critical matters now?
Moreover, the manifesto refrains from taking a clear stand on the abrogation of Article 370. This reticence seems to be a desperate attempt not to offend pro-BJP voters, thereby diluting the manifesto’s impact and credibility.
In conclusion, a manifesto should be a clear articulation of a party’s stand on key issues. It should prioritize substance over eloquence, providing voters with a clear understanding of the party’s intentions and plans. The current manifesto’s ambiguity does a disservice to the electorate, undermining its potential to serve as a roadmap for future governance.
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In scrutinising the economic facets of the Congress party’s 2024 manifesto, key proposals have ignited debates regarding fiscal responsibility and growth trajectories. The intent to replace the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and abolish the Angel Tax, ostensibly to aid micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brings forth valid concerns about potential revenue shortfalls. The lack of a transparent plan to offset these losses could strain government finances, potentially impeding funding for essential welfare programs and infrastructure ventures. Furthermore, the sudden upheaval in tax policies threatens to unsettle the business landscape, fostering uncertainty that might deter both local and foreign investors.
One striking aspect of the manifesto is its economic growth projections, which, to some observers, appear timid compared to the more robust growth rates witnessed during the UPA era. Critics argue that while the manifesto addresses crucial welfare and socio-economic reforms, it falls short of proposing bold measures that could catalyse rapid economic expansion. The emphasis on conducting a nationwide socio-economic and caste census, while laudable for promoting inclusive development, is viewed as indirectly related to fostering economic dynamism.
The cautious approach reflected in the manifesto's growth targets indicates a preference for achievable milestones over lofty ambitions that risk underachievement. However, this prudence also raises questions about whether the manifesto's vision aligns with India's aspirations for a high-growth economy akin to past successes under the UPA. Balancing fiscal responsibility with the imperative for robust economic rejuvenation remains a pivotal challenge for the Congress party as it navigates the complexities of India's evolving economic landscape.
The author teaches journalism at St. Xavier's College (autonomous), Kolkata, and he is a political columnist.
[Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP News Network Pvt Ltd.]
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