Karnataka polls: Rahul Gandhi releases Congress manifesto, calls it people's ‘Mann ki Baat’

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who's in Karnataka for the seventh leg of poll campaign released the party's election manifesto for upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections at the TMA Pai Convention Hall in Mangaluru on Friday.

Targeting the BJP, he said its manifesto will be decided by a handful of people - from the RSS. Gandhi said the Congress, if voted to power, will deliver on its promises, just as it delivered 95 per cent of what was promised in its last manifesto.

"This is a manifesto made by going to every single block, district and community in the state. We went to the people of the state, asked them what they wanted and put it in our manifesto. I believe in the philosophy of Karnataka and that is what the Congress wants to bring to the state," Rahul said while addressing the gathering."Siddaramaiah led Karnataka Government has Delivered as Promised. We again give a commitment of fulfilling the promises we have made in this manifesto as well", he said.

"Karnataka is a progressive state and this manifesto is a big step in taking the state to the next level. We will win the election and ensure that our Government will fulfill the promises made in the manifesto".

Targetting the BJP over Reddy brothers, Rahul said. "Our's is unlike the manifesto of the BJP which will have the hidden interests of the RSS and Reddy brothers".

Congress Manifesto: Key issues

• Free education for girls at post-graduation level.
• Committee to urban housing, urban slum development.
• Improvement of transport facilities.
• Improvement of social and economic status of minorities.
• Water for every household.
• Double farmers income.
• Optimum use of Cauvery water.
• Creation of one crore jobs over five years.

The Gandhi scion will later address public meetings in Bantwal and Gonikoppal towns in Dakshina Kannada district. He will also meet with the Suttur Mutt at Mysuru later this evening.

According to sources, Congress may announce several sops in it's manifesto, including reservation for Lingayata and 33% reservation for women in elections. The party could also dole out laptops to students.

According to the reports, the 15-member manifesto drafting committee was constituted four months ago. It held comprehensive meetings in Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Hubballi, Kalaburagi and Chitradurga to get feedback from all levels - from the grassroots to the regional leaders. Experts from different sectors were also roped in.

The committee also discussed ways to bring back Bengaluru as the Garden City, and made plans for the education sector.