Congress promises Patidar quota, cut in petro prices by Rs 10/l

GANDHINAGAR: The Congress manifesto for Gujarat has promised to accommodate demands of the Patidar community, even while making some special provisions for minorities. The manifesto promised a separate ministry for minorities and implementation of the Sachar Committee recommendations.

The manifesto promises creation of fast-track courts to tackle crimes against women, rollback of petrol and diesel prices by Rs 10/litre, ending the contract system in government jobs and making workers on contract permanent and providing Rs 4,000 per month as allowance for the unemployed youth.

When asked specifically about promises for minorities, Gujarat Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki said the manifesto was designed with everyone in mind. Solanki’s team gave details of the welfare plans for various castes, including Patidars and Devipujaks.

The manifesto said that Congress would introduce a bill under Article 46 which will give all rights given to Other Backward Classes to communities specified under Article 46.

Article 46 of the Constitution envisages reservations to help castes or classes who are socially or economically deprived. The manifesto also promised “sincere implementation of Cow Protection Act” and setting up of “panjra polls (gau shalas)” “in every moffusil area with participation of voluntary organisations and philanthropists”.

Bharatsinh Solanki said Congress will set up a special investigation team to probe allegations of financial irregularities during the BJP rule in the state, especially irregularities worth over Rs 100,000 crore as highlighted in CAG and other reports.