Delhi elections 2015: Congress manifesto focus on revving up development

NEW DELHI: In 2013, the Congress manifesto appealed for "stability" as the party found itself in the midst of the first ever three-cornered contest with BJP and AAP. A year later, the party, which came a poor third in those polls and is fighting for survival, is ready with a manifesto that takes off from 15 years of development and promises its continuation under a stable government.

The party's vision promises to weave in power and water reforms to counter the assurances of BJP and AAP on power tariff. The document is also likely to put on priority the concerns of the poor and marginalized. Like last time, women's security is slated to find space in the manifesto.

The manifesto, to be released on Friday, is expected to have plans for relocation of slum dwellers, in situ rehabilitation and, in a first, the issue of contractual labour and regular jobs for sections like safai karmacharis who felt neglected in the past. The scheduled caste vote, including a significant Valmiki population, had shifted to AAP in 2013 leaving Congress with just one MLA from Sultanpur Majra among the reserved constituencies. While AAP won nine reserved seats, BJP bagged two.

Last time, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee had a small role in drafting the manifesto, the contours of which were largely steered by the vision of CM Sheila Dikshit who set out the "way forward". This time, the document has been readied by a manifesto committee chaired by former minister Dr AK Walia. The party leadership seeks to make this document a platform to reach out to disgruntled voters. A party member said those areas will be addressed in which people felt ignored by Congress earlier.

In the 2013 manifesto, besides highlighting achievements of 15 years Dikshit government, a chapter was dedicated to the Congress-led UPA at the Centre. The Congress wove a dream of a power surplus "global city" with full statehood.

The 16-page manifesto elaborated the journey of 15 years and the way forward, before concluding with an appeal saying, "It is obvious that you will want a stable government to take care of your social needs and development. Your decision as a mature electorate represents the strength of our democracy making you the supreme power in the society. For the last 15 years we believe our work has spoken for us. Now it's your turn to speak for us." However, but none of this stirred the voters who were clearly looking for change. They cast their ballot to register their protest against growing corruption and deteriorating law and order, among other things.