If elected Cong won’t implement CAA, will work to repeal it: Manmohan Singh to Assam voters

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 26

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday addressed the voters of Assam virtually urging them to vote for the Congress in the elections starting tomorrow and pledging not to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act if elected to power.

The former PM, who represented Assam in the Rajya Sabha for 28 years from 1991 to 2019, said the Congress would in fact work to repeal CAA.

“If elected to power, the Congress will not implement the Citizenship Amendment Act. It will also do its utmost to repeal this Act,” Singh said in a video recorded message released by the Congress on the eve of phase one elections in Assam tomorrow.

He said the party had published a people’s manifesto to implement promises that are practical.

“Five lakh unemployed youth will be provided jobs in the the public sector. Twenty five lakh unemployed youth will be provided jobs in the private sector. The daily wage of tea plantation workers will be increased to Rs 365. These workers will also receive other social security benefits. Every household will receive up to 200 units of free electricity, the former PM said seeking votes for the party.

Singh said under the promised Grahini Samman scheme the Congress will provide every housewife a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 every month. 

“Your future and the future of your children is in your hands. I urge you to vote for the Congress Party and the Maha Jot,” he urged calling Assam his “second home”.

Singh said he was deeply grateful for the trust and affections of the people of Assam and the friendship of late Hiteshwar Saikia and Tarun Gogoi. 

“The people of Assam enabled me to serve the country as finance minister 45 years and as prime minister of India for 10 years. Today I am speaking as one of you. The time has come again to cast your ballot. You must vote wisely,” said the former PM noting that the people of Assam had endured suffering due to to prolonged periods of insurgency.

“Under the leadership of late Tarun Gogoi from 2001 to 2016 Assam made rapid progress on the path of development and peace but it is now facing very serious setback. The society is being divided on the basis of religion language and culture. The basic rights of the common man are being denied there is atmosphere of tension and off fear. Ill-conceived notebandi and badly implemented GST have weakened the economy,” said Singh attacking principal rivals and incumbents BJP in Assam.

He said people and women have lost their livelihoods. 

“The youth are desperate for jobs. The rise in the prices of petrol coma diesel korma and cooking gas is making life difficult for the common man. The poor are becoming poor and COVID-19 is making matters words. You must vote for a government that upholds the constitution of India and the principles of democracy. You must vote for a government that will care for every citizen for every community. You must vote for a government that will ensure inclusive growth, a government that will put Assam once again on the path of peace and development,” urged Singh, a star campaigner for Congress who hasn’t been able to travel due to COVID restrictions.

He said the Assam Congress is committed to protect the unique language history and culture and ensure the well-being of all communities. 

“We have brought out a people's Manifesto with promises that are are practical. As a measure of our determination we have also announced five guarantees to the people,” said Singh.