‘Decision on PM face only after Lok Sabha polls’: Rahul Gandhi at launch of Congress manifesto

Addressing the media, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his “unfair elections” claim, stating that the upcoming polls is already a “a rigged match”.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal during the release of the party's manifesto, in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI Photo)

On the day when the Congress party launched its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, its senior leader Rahul Gandhi faced a frequently asked question — who would be the Opposition alliance’s prime ministerial face.

“The INDIA bloc has decided that we are fighting an ideological election. A decision on the PM candidate will only be taken after the elections,” Rahul Gandhi told reporters on Friday.

Addressing the media, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his “unfair elections” claim, stating that the upcoming polls is already a “a rigged match”. “It is important for the people to understand that this is an election to save democracy. This election is between those trying to destroy the Constitution and democracy and those striving to protect them,” he added.

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Exuding confidence in the Opposition alliance the Congress MP stated that the polls will be a much closer contest than what is being shown and that he was certain that they would win the polls.

Right to apprenticeship, a legal guarantee for MSP, and passing a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs were among the promises made by the Congress in its manifesto.

The manifesto, focusing on five “pillars of justice” and 25 guarantees under them, was released at the AICC headquarters. Titled Nyay Patra, the Congress said it would implement 10 per cent quota in jobs, educational institutions for economically weaker sections for all castes, communities without discrimination if it comes to power.

It also promised to fill nearly 30 lakh vacancies in sanctioned posts at various levels in the central government and said the Rajasthan model of cashless insurance of up to Rs 25 lakh will be adopted for universal healthcare.

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The Congress will pass a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SC, ST and OBC if it comes to power in the general elections beginning April 19, the party promised.

The Congress also said it will conduct a nationwide socio-economic and caste census.

Appealing to people to look beyond religion, language, caste and choose wisely to install a democratic government, the party said the general elections present an opportunity to radically the change the style of governance that has been in evidence over the past decade.