In Tripura, Cong promises welfare of journalists, probe into corruption charges

The 24-page manifesto comes in the wake of killing of two local journalists in the recent past and promises life insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh to accredited journalists.

The Congress released its manifesto for the February 18 Tripura polls on Monday, promising an organisation for the welfare of journalists, making education accessible to all, a committee to review farmers’ debt and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

A Congress party worker waves the party flag during a function. (AP File Photo)

The 24-page manifesto comes in the wake of killing of two local journalists in the recent past and promises life insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh to accredited journalists, apart from providing them low-cost housing and loans at concessional rates. The Congress also promised their safety and freedom of speech to them.

Keeping the legacy of the royals in mind, the party promised to rename the Agartala Airport after the last king, Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Deb Burman, and establish a super-speciality hospital after Kirit Bikram Kishore Deb Burman, father of the present head of Manikya dynasty — Pradyot Kishore Deb Burman.

Like the BJP, the Congress promised action against the accused in the Rose Valley chit fund scam. “We will constitute a high-level committee to investigate all kinds of corruption, including the chit fund scam under the Left regime, and ensure that the 14 lakh people who invested in the fund get their money back,” said Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy, while releasing the manifesto.

Regarding indigenous communities, the party said it would ensure transfer of centrally allocated funds directly to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, giving them priority in local administration, stopping illegal transfer of their land and setting up a cultural academy to promote their art.

The Congress also assured that it would create employment, provide better healthcare facilities, increase wages of unorganised labourers to Rs 300 per day and form a committee to review debts of farmers. Women safety, rehabilitation of displaced persons, promoting tourism and industrial growth were other issues the party promised to look into.