Be wise while casting votes: Manmohan Singh

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Former Prime Minister and Congress leader Dr. Manmohan Singh has appealed to the voters of Assam to be wise while exercising their franchise. He has also said that the people of the State should vote for a party that upholds the Constitution of India and democratic principles.

In his message to the people of Assam, Dr Singh said, "…for many years, Assam has been my second home. It was my privilege to represent Assam in the Rajya Sabha, for 28 years from 1991 to 2019. The people of Assam enabled me to serve our country as the Finance Minister of India for five years and as the Prime Minister of India for 10 years."

Dr Singh affirmed, "Once again, the time has come for you to cast your ballot in the Vidhan Sabha election. You must vote wisely. The people of Assam have endured terrible sufferings through a long period of insurgency and unrest. Under the leadership of late Tarun Gogoi from 2001 to 2016, Assam made a new beginning towards peace and development. However, the State is now facing very serious setbacks. The society is being divided on the basis of religion, culture and language. The basic rights of the common man are being denied; there is an atmosphere of tension and fear. Ill-conceived 'Note-Bandi' and badly implemented GST have weakened the economy."

Dr. Manmohan Singh added, "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 of every community. You must vote for a government that will ensure inclusive growth. You must vote for a government that will put Assam on the path of peace and development, once again."

Dr. Manmohan Singh firmly affirmed that the Assam Congress has prepared a 'Jan Manifesto' with assurances which are practical. He then referred to the '5 Guarantees' by the Congress Party, which are also an integral part of the party's 'Manifesto' and a clear indication of the determination of the Party, to lead the State in the path of prosperity.

Elucidating the '5 Guarantees', Dr. Singh stated, "If elected to power, the Assam Congress will not implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and will also do its utmost to repeal the CAA. The daily wages of tea-plantation workers will be increased to Rs. 365. These workers will also receive other social-security benefits."

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