2017 Punjab assembly polls: Congress releases manifesto, promises to increase revenue, end mafia

Chandigarh: Upping its tirade against Punjab's ruling Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance, the Congress on Monday promised to end mafia, operating allegedly at the behest of Badals, and ensure better revenue generation for the development of Punjab.

Punjab Congress Vice President and former state Finance Minister Manpreet Badal told media, after releasing the manifesto, that ending the mafia alone would boost revenue generation manifold.

"This will help generate funds required to implement the various welfare schemes announced in the party manifesto. Funds to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore would be needed for the execution of the promises, which could be achieved by increasing revenue generation and reducing government expenditure," Manpreet Badal, the estranged nephew of Punjab Chief Minister and Akali Dal patron Parkash Singh Badal said.

"Eliminating the various types of mafia, operating at the behest of Badals, would itself lead to massive increase in the revenue generation, thereby putting the state finances on the right track and bringing it out of its current fiscal mess," Manpreet, co-chairman of the Congress Manifesto Committee, said.

The Congress has also promised that, if elected in the forthcoming Punjab Assembly elections, it would eliminate the drugs menace in the state within four weeks.

The Congress said it will end the supply and consumption of drugs completely in the state in a month.

The party manifesto, which has been prepared in consultation with former Prime Minister and international economist Manmohan Singh, also promises waiver of agricultural debts, jobs for every household, resolution of the Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal issue, cess on liquor and free eduction for girls.

The Congress is gearing up for a do-or-die political battle with the Akali Dal-BJP alliance government, which has been in power in the state since 2007, and to counter the challenge being posed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The Congress and AAP have been accusing the Akali Dal leadership, especially the Badal family, of controlling businesses in sand, cable TV, transport, infrastructure and other fields.

In the manifesto, the Congress has promised to bring in legislations to control the cable network, usher in police reforms, end child labour, to confiscate properties of drug dealers and others.