The Congress party faces heavy odds in the general election with 10 years of incumbency behind it. It has erred in so many ways. Throughout the last 50 years it has had a string of slogans-nationalization of the commanding heights of the economy, garibi hatao, liberalization and economic reform with a human face, all unfulfilled and changing commitments. The manifesto this year does not inspire confidence. The party thought that it won the 2009 election with MNREGA and other populist measures. But it could not boast of solid growth and prosperous cities. The present manifesto is mostly a repetition. True, it advocates a new set of rights- health, pension, housing, dignified and humane working conditions and even a right to entrepreneurship. The aim is to bring most of the working population into the middle class. What is lacking is the understanding that people cannot win an abstract charter of demands by raising themselves into the middle class. They want a robust economy and ample opportunity to satisfy their demand. Food security, land acquisition, foreign policy-the chinks in the party armour are patently visible.
Admittedly, there is a hint of economic prudence in the manifesto. “Choose the subsidies that are absolutely necessary and give them only to the absolutely deserving,” the manifesto said. That is fine. Introduction of user charges for the many willing to pay for better services and spending the money on health and education are a good idea. The manifesto targets stabilization of the tax environment. There is mention of industrial corridors, labour flexibility and financial sector reforms. But the UPA’s ability to develop skills is in a very elementary stage. The manifesto does not suggest ways of improving it. The progression from the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to a Shreshth Siksha Abhiyan is a right move. It puts the emphasis on better teaching and better learning. But there are gaps in expanding opportunities and improving delivery. Priorities and ways of achieving ends are not clearly spelt out. The burden of incumbency riddled with failures makes Congress promises sound hollow.