Chhattisgarh Assembly Polls: CM Bhupesh Baghel Unveils Congress Manifesto; Promises Caste Census, Loan Waivers For Farmers

The Congress on Sunday unveiled its manifesto for the Chhattisgarh assembly polls, pledging a caste census, farmer loan waivers, a procurement price of Rs 3,200 per quintal for paddy and subsidized cooking gas cylinders for women through a new scheme.

Two days ahead of the first phase of the state polls, the ruling party in Chhattisgarh revealed its manifesto titled 'Bharose ka Ghoshna Patra 2023-28' at six distinct locations, including Raipur, Rajnandgaon, Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, Ambikapur, and Kawardha.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel released the manifesto in Rajnandgaon while party's state in-charge Kumari Selja unveiled it in state capital Raipur.

Promises including loan waiver to farmers, caste census, procurement of paddy at 20 quintal per acre, free education to students from KG (kindergarten) to PG (post graduation) made by Congress leaders during their poll campaign have been mentioned in the manifesto. 

Speaking at the launch of the manifesto, CM Baghel said farmers will get Rs 3,200 per quintal for paddy, including input subsidy currently being given under the Rajiv Gandhi Nyay Yojna to paddy cultivators.

The collection of Tendu leaves will now be compensated at a rate of Rs 6,000 per standard sack, replacing the previous rate of Rs 4,000. In addition, tendu leaf collectors will also receive an annual bonus of Rs 4,000, as announced.

Baghel said, "A Mahtari Nyay Yojana will be launched for mothers and sisters," under which a subsidy of Rs 500 per cooking gas cylinder will be given to women of all income groups. 

The subsidy will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of women, he said.

Schemes which are currently operational will continue if the Congress retains power in the state, he added.

Polling to the 90-member assembly will be held in two phases on November 7 and 17.