Two days before Punjab votes to elect its next government, the ruling Congress party released its manifesto. With a 12-point agenda, the party claimed that its sole focus is "maximum development of Punjab".
The party said that if re-elected, the CM's first decision would be for creation of 1 lakh jobs every year. Congress also promised Rs 1,100 per month, and 8 cylinders per year for needy women.
Free health services for all in govt hospitals, and education aid up to Rs 20,000 & computer for needy girls was part of the manifesto. Free education for needy students in govt institutes and the promise to continue SC scholarship while adding BC, General category were part of the document.
The manifesto mentioned ending inspector raj, and bringing 170 services online like birth, death certificates. For startups, the Congress promised a Rs 1,000-crore investment fund, and Rs 2 lakh interest-free loans.
Congress promised to increase wages and man-days under MGNREGA, and hike old-age pension to Rs 3,100. The party also promised conversion of 'kaccha' houses to 'pakka' houses in 6 months, and MSP procurement of pulses, oilseeds, corn to woo farmers.
The Congress also announced setting up of government corporations for liquor, sand mining, and better regulation of transport, and cable, which would "break monopolies", and end "mafia raj", as per the party.
Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu were present at the event.
The two were believed to be engaged in a tussle in the run-up to the polls, with both eyeing the CM's chair. However, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi eventually announced Channi as the party's CM face after a poll of party workers and leaders.
Punjab is voting on February 20 and results will be declared on March 10.