Congress's Jharkhand Poll Promises: Health Cover, Jobs, Reservation Hike

Simdega- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, campaigning in Jharkhand's Simdega constituency on Friday, announced a slew of promises for the upcoming Assembly elections. He pledged a Rs 15 lakh health cover for all, one million new jobs for youth, and an increase in the reservation limit to exceed 50%.

Addressing a rally in support of the party's candidate, Gandhi also promised a domestic LPG cylinder for Rs 450, Rs 3200 MSP for paddy farmers, seven kg of ration per person monthly, a degree college in every block, and Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance to women.

Gandhi reiterated his call for "Save the Constitution" and caste census, drawing a comparison between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc. He accused the NDA of wanting to "divide the society and end Constitution," while emphasizing the INDIA bloc's commitment to "equality and brotherhood." He stated that the Constitution embodies the ideas of Birsa Munda, B. R. The Constitution protects the rights of the poor people of the country.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi alleged that the BJP government aims to exploit adivasis' land, water, and forest resources for industrialists. He criticized the use of the term "vanvasi" by the BJP, preferring the term "adivasi," which he argued recognizes the indigenous people's first ownership rights over their land. He stated that the Constitution uses the term Adivasi and that calling tribals vanvasi was an "insult." Gandhi promised that if the Congress comes to power, they will ensure that if tribal land is taken for development, they will receive appropriate compensation, and their children will be given jobs in any industries that are built on their land.

Gandhi further accused the BJP of opposing white-collar jobs for tribal people and claimed that 90% of the country's backward population lacks representation in the government. He recounted his request for a caste census to PM Modi, which was met with accusations of "trying to divide the society." He also criticized the Prime Minister for not visiting the troubled state of Manipur. Gandhi also promised that if the Congress comes to power, they will stop the Agnipath scheme.

The Jharkhand Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20. The Congress, JMM, RJD, and CPI-M, united as the INDIA bloc, are contesting the 81-member Assembly polls.