Speedy implementation of the UPA loan waiver scheme for farmers, 24-hour power supply, conversion of SC/ST settlements into revenue villages and toilets in every house are among the new Congress promises.

The Congress manifesto, released by the manifesto committee chief C K Jaffer Sharief, pays special attention to Bangalore and promises an investment of Rs 50,000 crore for city infrastructure, a legislation to bring all civic authorities under a single agency, extension of the Metro rail plan to new areas and revival of schemes to distribute housing sites in the city.

The manifesto also promises to implement schemes initiated on paper by the BJP-JD(S) coalition like a dedicated expressway project to the new international airport. Emulating the BJP, the Congress has also announced free power supply for irrigation pump-sets, increase in power generation capacity by 5,000 MW and a scheme to provide girl students with Rs 1.5 lakh if they pursue education until they attain 18 years of age.

Quizzed about how the state can provide free power against its assurances to international lending agencies, KPCC chief Mallikarjun Kharge said the state has managed to achieve a fiscal status where such conditions do not apply.

With the backward castes and SC/STs being among the primary vote banks being targeted by the Congress in the coming elections, the party has promised to implement orders to convert settlements in revenue villages—an identity normally reserved for habitations with 100 or more families.

For the welfare of the minorities, the recommendations of the Sachar Committee report will be implemented in “its true letter and spirit,” says the manifesto. In addition, schools have been promised in all Muslim dominated slums and villages, a Tipu Sultan housing scheme to provide one-lakh houses for Muslims and a festival in the name of Khaja Bande Nawaz like the Dasara and Hampi festivities.