Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday announced a set of five “guarantee” schemes that would be implemented if the United Democratic Front (UDF) comes to power in Kerala.
Addressing a rally marking the conclusion of the Puthu Yuga Yatra, led by Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan, Gandhi outlined a series of welfare initiatives proposed by the Congress-led alliance.
Among the promises are free travel for women in buses of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 for college students, and an increase in welfare pensions to Rs 3,000.
The Congress leader also announced free health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh per family, to be named after former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Other proposals include interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for youth to start businesses and the creation of a dedicated department for senior citizens.
During his speech, Gandhi also launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the Centre had compromised India’s interests by signing agreements with the United States.
He claimed that opening India’s agricultural sector to the US would harm farmers and affect the country’s energy security.
Gandhi further alleged that certain individuals, including industrialist Anil Ambani and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, were mentioned in the so-called Epstein files, and accused Modi of being under pressure over the issue.
He also targeted Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, questioning why central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate had not taken action against him.
Alleging a tacit understanding between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Party, Gandhi said the two parties were working together to defeat the UDF.
He also accused the Left Democratic Front government of favouring corporate interests and failing to protect workers.