Cong manifesto promises free ration, colour TV

GUJARAT DECIDES

The Congress manifesto for the Gujarat Assembly elections, which was released today, promises wheat, rice, pulses, sugar, kerosene and television free-of-cost to 20 per cent of the poorest of poor families in the state.

"If the Congress comes to power, the party will give 'yellow card' to the 20 per cent of poorest of poor families under BPL. They will be given 25 kg wheat, 10 kg rice, 4 kg dal, 5 kg sugar and 15 litre kerosene free-of-cost every month," GPCC President Bharat Solanki said here.

The Opposition party also promised a colour television to each BPL family, besides development of minorities, deprived and weaker sections of the society if voted to power in the December 11 and 16 Assembly polls.

The Congress said it would form a Minority Economic Development Corporation for welfare of religious and linguistic minorities.

"The Congress government will give house construction and business loans for minorities through co-operative banks. The Sachar Committee recommendations will be implemented in line with the Centre's policies," the manifesto said. "There is more than 46 lakh hectares of land in the state which is unused. A policy will be evolved to allot 100 yards plot per family belonging to the deprived sections like the SCs."

An Ambedkar Park would be established in Vadodara which was the "karmabhoomi" of the Dalit icon, it said.

To a question on the benefits that the party would extend to riot victims, Solanki said, "The matter is sub-judice and the inquiry commission is also looking into it. The scope of inquiry by the commission has been widened and the probe will be carried out under that."

The ruling BJP is yet to release its manifesto.