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Congress releases manifesto, PM flays Gujarat development model

Manifesto promises right to health and housing for the poor; Sonia Gandhi says will fight for secular country

Congress workers celebrate the victory
BS Reporter Mumbai
Last Updated : Mar 26 2014 | 5:00 PM IST
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today flayed the Gujarat development model, saying that the Congress model believes in ensuring growth for all sections of the society.

Emphasising that the Congress is committed to the vision of inclusive growth, he said that Congress model recognises the needs of women and backward classes as well.

In all aspects of economic growth and development, UPA's record is superior to that of NDA, he said, adding that more emphasis needs to be given to the creation of jobs, education and health.

On the issue of corruption, Singh said that it can't be wished away in a developing economy.

Congress promised right to health and housing in its 2014 election manifesto. It also promised fixed income schemes for the aged and disabled people. On the economic front, the manifesto committed to bringing th efiscal deficit to 3% by FY17 and growth back to 8% in 3 years.

"Our government has worked for the Aam Aadmi," Sonia Gandhi said, adding that Congress will continue to fight for a secular country. She, however, evaded the question of who Congress would field from Varanasi against BJP PM candidate Narendra Modi.


"I don't have much faith in opinion polls as they have been proved wrong again and again, " she said. Sonia Gandhi also defended the ticket to Ashok Chavan, saying he was not barred from polls.


The manifesto represents the voice of the people of the country, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said. Modi represents an ideology which will damage the country, he added.

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First Published: Mar 26 2014 | 1:54 PM IST

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