NCP (SP) manifesto endorses five congress guarantees, caste census pledges a commission for welfare of farmers & women
- In Reports
- 09:28 PM, Apr 25, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Nationalist Congress Party (led by Sharad Pawar) revealed its manifesto on 25th April, endorsing a caste census and pledging a dedicated commission for farmers’ welfare, apprenticeship rights, and 50 percent job reservation for women. The party also expressed support for granting full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and opposed the concept of 'one nation, one election'. Additionally, it outlined plans to reassess and suggest amendments to laws such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, National Register for Citizens, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which it views as conflicting with constitutional principles. The manifesto further emphasized empowering state and local governments, revising power distribution, and ensuring the enforcement of constitutional amendments.
Maharashtra NCP(SP) president Jayant Patil announced at a press conference that they will push for a constitutional amendment to increase the 50 percent ceiling on reservations. Additionally, he stated their intention to prohibit contract labor in government sectors and ensure legal protection for the benefits of contract workers.
The manifesto, introduced with the presence of NCP (SP) chief and former Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, includes support for a caste census, the discontinuation of the Agnipath scheme, conducting safety audits for women, and bolstering cyber laws concerning them.
NCP (SP) also declared its endorsement of the Congress's five "nyay" (guarantees) outlined in the Congress manifesto, focusing on issues concerning farmers, youth, women, laborers, and the caste census.
Patil emphasized that if the party assumes power at the Centre, it would humanize the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He further outlined plans to maintain LPG cylinder prices at Rs 500 and subsidize them if necessary, while also proposing a restructuring of taxes on petrol and diesel.
In response to a question regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's inquiry into Sharad Pawar's contributions to the agriculture sector, the NCP (SP) chief declined to respond, stating, "I don't wish to react to the remarks of those who have negligible knowledge of the sector. He should first speak on what his government has done in the last ten years."
The manifesto also delineated the party's foreign policy objectives, emphasizing strategic global diplomacy and the cultivation of partnerships that align with India's role on the international stage. It underscored the party's stance on national and internal security.
"We also prioritize judicial reforms, ensuring access to justice and promoting inclusive representation within the judiciary," the NCP (SP) stated in the manifesto. Patil highlighted that the manifesto focuses on "all-inclusive" development, addressing affordable health and education. It also outlines the party's perspectives on environmental issues, art, culture, and its proposed actions if elected to power. Furthermore, the Sharad Pawar-led party's manifesto includes welfare measures for the LGBTQ community.
Image Source: Free Press Journal
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