NCP-Sharad Pawar Unveils Election Manifesto: Caste Census, Farmer Commission, And Women's Reservation In Focus

On Thursday (25 April), the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) revealed its manifesto titled "Shapatnama."

The manifesto, unveiled in the presence of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, lays out key initiatives including caste census, a dedicated commission for farmers' welfare, and 50 per cent reservation for women in jobs.

Among the standout proposals is the party's endorsement of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and its rejection of the 'one nation, one election' concept.

The document also commits to reviewing and amending laws such as the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), National Register for Citizens (NRC), and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

"We will demand a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations. We will ban contract labour in government sectors and legally protect the contract workers' benefits," Maharashtra NCP(SP) president Jayant Patil said addressing a press conference.

The manifesto also extends support to the five "nyay" (guarantees) articulated by the Congress, emphasizing issues concerning farmers, youth, women, laborers, and caste census.

Additionally, it proposes to give a "human face" to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), keeping LPG cylinder prices at Rs 500 and restructuring taxes on petrol and diesel.

To a query on Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking to know what Pawar has contributed to the agriculture sector, the NCP (SP) chief said, "I don't wish to react to the remarks of those who have negligible knowledge of the sector. He should first speak on what his government has done in the last ten years.".

Furthermore, "We also prioritise judicial reforms, ensuring access to justice and inclusive representation within the judiciary," the NCP (SP) said in the manifesto.

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