Congress' Manifesto 2024: Are Article 370 And CAA Missing From Nyay Patra? Here's What We Know!

The manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, titled 'Nyay Patra', was unveiled by the Congress party on Friday.

The Patra is based on 'five pillars of justice' encompassing 25 guarantees, including 'Yuva Nyay', 'Naari Nyay', 'Kisaan Nyay', 'Shramik Nyay', and 'Hissedari Nyay'.

Congress' Manifesto 2024 Misses Article 370 And CAA

This comprehensive document outlines numerous promises aimed at different sections of society, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a 50% reservation for women in government jobs.

Introduced with the slogan 'Haath Badlega Halaat' (Hand to Change the Circumstances), the 48-page manifesto delves into various issues such as Rafale, demonetisation, and electoral bonds while omitting certain contentious topics previously opposed by the party.

In its current form, the manifesto refrains from discussing the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), which the Congress party had openly opposed, as well as Article 370, which it had previously supported.

Recently, the Centre notified the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) along with crucial rules, taking immediate effect as per a Union Gazette notification. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor condemned the act as morally and constitutionally wrong, highlighting that introducing religion as a criterion for citizenship contradicts constitutional principles.

Regarding the reconsideration of the old pension scheme, Drafting Committee chairman P Chidambaram clarified that it is "not missing and is very much on our mind".

Notably, the manifesto does not directly address Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir before its revocation. However, the Congress party has pledged to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and amend the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to include the tribal areas of Ladakh.

During the manifesto launch event, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized, "This manifesto of ours will be remembered as 'Nyay ka dastavez' in the political history of the country."

The Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, emphasized five key pillars: Yuva Nyay, Kisan Nyay, Naari Nyay, Shramik Nyay, and Hissedari Nyay, culminating in 25 guarantees that benefit various groups across society. Additionally, the Congress party has committed to conducting a nationwide socio-economic and caste census.