Sharad Pawar NC promises reservation beyond 50% cap, end Agnipath scheme, change CAA, NRC & UAPA

The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) unveiled its manifesto on Thursday. The party favors a caste census and pledges to establish a separate commission for farmers' welfare. It also advocates for the right to apprenticeship and proposes a 50 per cent reservation for women in jobs. The Sharad Pawar-led party expresses support for full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and opposes the concept of 'one nation, one election'.

As per the manifesto, titled 'Shapatnama', the NCP (SP) commits to reviewing and suggesting modifications to various laws. These include the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), National Register for Citizens (NRC), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and other laws that are deemed 'conflicting' with constitutional principles.

The manifesto also highlights the party's stance on empowering state and local governments. It emphasizes the need for reviewing power distribution and ensuring the enforcement of constitutional amendments.


"We will push for a constitutional amendment to increase the reservation cap beyond 50 per cent," stated Maharashtra NCP(SP) president Jayant Patil during a press conference. He also announced plans to prohibit contract labor in government sectors and ensure legal protection for the benefits of contract workers.

The manifesto was revealed in the presence of NCP (SP) chief and former Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar. It supports a caste census, elimination of the Agnipath scheme, conducting safety audits for women, and enhancing cyber laws concerning them.

The NCP (SP) expresses support for the five 'nyay' (guarantees) outlined by the Congress in their manifesto. These guarantees address concerns related to farmers, youth, women, laborers, and caste census.

Patil mentioned that if the party assumes power at the Centre, it aims to humanize the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

"LPG cylinder prices will remain at Rs 500 and may be subsidized by the government if required. Petrol and diesel taxes will undergo restructuring," he stated.

When asked about Union Home Minister Amit Shah's inquiry regarding Pawar's contributions to the agriculture sector, the NCP (SP) chief responded, "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 outlined' the party's foreign policy 'related to strategic global diplomacy', 'fostering partnerships' that resonate with India's role on the world stage, and 'highlighted' the party's views on national and internal security.

'We also prioritise judicial reforms,' 'ensuring access to justice' and 'inclusive representation within the judiciary,' the NCP (SP) said in the manifesto.

Patil said the manifesto 'emphasises on' 'all-inclusive' development and 'speaks of' affordable health and education, the party's views on environment, art and culture and 'what is proposes to do if voted to power.'

The Sharad Pawar-led party's manifesto 'also highlights' welfare measures for the LGBTQ community.