Priyanka Gandhi
Vadra, the Congress leader spearheading the party’s poll charge in Uttar
Pradesh, said Wednesday that a Congress government, if elected, will waive all
farm loans within 10 days of coming to power. The announcement was part of the
Congress’ poll manifesto for UP.

Several districts
in western Uttar Pradesh will go to polls on February 10, beginning the first
phase of elections. Farmers of western UP were among those who protested
against the Union government’s three agriculture laws, which the government had
to eventually revoke.

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The Congress’
pitch to farmers in Uttar Pradesh seems to be an attempt to capitalise on the
anti-incumbency of these farmer sections who the party expects
will maintain opposition to the BJP despite the laws being revoked.

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Priyanka Gandhi’s
poll campaign in UP has largely focussed on empowering women and encouraging
them to occupy spaces in the political sphere. The Congress’ campaign in UP is
titled “Ladki Hun Lad Sakti Hun,” (I’m a girl, I can fight).

Wednesday’s manifesto
was part of a trilogy. “We have released three manifestos so far – one for
women, one for youth. Today is the third one,” Priyanka Gandhi said.

“Jobs and
inflation are the biggest issues. All farm loans to be waived off within 10
days of forming the government. Electricity bills to be halved and bills for
those affected by COVID to be waived.”

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The Congress
release of its third manifesto follows the BJP’s manifesto launch Tuesday. In
its manifesto for Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party stated that it would
impose a minimum imprisonment for 10 years and a Rs 1 lakh jail term for ‘Love
Jihad’.

Releasing the
manifesto, BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “The BJP has
fulfilled more than 92% of 212 sankalps (promises) made in the 2017 poll
manifesto.” The BJP manifesto also promised farmers free electricity and
irrigation.