The “guarantees” promised in the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha eleciton will change the circumstances of the people in a “difficult” time, Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi said on Monday.
In a video message, shared by the Congress, Ms. Gandhi addressed women and said they were facing a “severe crisis” in the wake of inflation. She asserted that the party’s ‘Mahalakshmi scheme’ would help change their lives
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“My dear sisters, women have made a huge contribution, from the freedom struggle to the creation of modern India. However, today our women are facing a crisis amid severe inflation. To do justice to their hard work and penance, the Congress has come up with a revolutionary guarantee. The Congress’ ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme guarantees that we will give ₹1 lakh every year to a woman from a poor family,” Ms. Gandhi said in her message.
Her “appeal” to support the Congress came just ahead of the fourth round of voting in 96 constituencies across 10 States on Monday. Ms. Gandhi said the Congress’ “guarantees” had already changed the lives of crores of families in Congress-ruled Karnataka and Telangana, where it has also implemented the scheme.
“Be it MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), Right to Information, Right to Education or through schemes like food security, the Congress party has empowered millions of Indians. The ‘Mahalakshmi’ is the latest guarantee to take our work forward,” Ms. Gandhi said, adding, ”In this difficult time, I want to assure you that the hand of the Congress is with you and this hand will change your circumstances.”
Her appeal was shared by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, former party president Rahul Gandhi, and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on their X handles.
Sharing his mother’s message on the social media platform X, Mr. Gandhi also appealed to women. “Women from poor families remember -- your one vote is equal to Rs 1 lakh annually in your account. The Congress’ ‘Mahalaxmi’ scheme is going to be a lifesaver for women struggling amid terrible inflation and unemployment,” he said.
“With ₹8,500 being deposited directly into bank accounts every month, women of India will become free from financial dependence and will be able to write their own family’s destiny. So vote and change your circumstances,” Mr. Gandhi added.
