Delhi polls: Congress includes 'communal harmony' in its second manifesto

NEW DELHI: For the first time, Congress yesterday included ' communal harmony' in its second manifesto to woo the minority vote bank in high density Muslim pockets. The party has committed to make the Waqf Board an elected body to be chosen by the "awaam" on the lines of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee which is elected by the Sikh community.

Delhi Congress president Arvinder Singh said, "We will give recognition to the rights of all religious communities in keeping with the Constitution. If the need arises, we will bring necessary legislation to ensure religious harmony."

The assertion on the subject gains relevance since the party has been citing the recent Trilokpuri riots and other incidents of unrest in its pre-poll speeches to point how 15 years of Congress rule were peaceful.

Apart from the promise of a law for the shelter and property rights of slum dwellers, Delhi poll campaign committee chairman Ajay Maken highlighted the law for street vendors enacted by the UPA government and assured that it will be implemented.

For the middle class, Congress has offered a model city high on infrastructure but disabled-friendly. Promising to make the city 'beggar-free', it assured their training, livelihood and rehabilitation. To rein in inflation four government-run vegetable shops will be set up in each constituency.

Congress is also wooing government servants who are decisive in segments like New Delhi, Delhi Cantt and RK Puram. The party assured that the retirement age for government officials will stay 60 years.