Congress manifesto promises full statehood for Puducherry, not for Delhi; gets slammed by AAP

The Congress party released its manifesto titled 'Hum Nibhayenge' (We will deliver) for 2019 Lok Sabha polls on Tuesday which promised full statehood to Union Territory Puducherry under the 'Federalism and Centre-State relations' section.

However, it stopped short of making the same commitment for Delhi if it comes to power in 2019 polls.

Congress party proposed to amend the 'National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991' in order to ensure that LG act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers in Delhi. 

"Congress promises to amend the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 to make it clear that the Lieutenant Governor shall act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers except in matters concerning the 3 reserved subjects," the Congress manifesto stated, with a clear reference to land, police and public order.

It went on to ensure 'full statehood to Puducherry'.

"Congress promises full statehood to Puducherry," the manifesto added.

Read: BIG STATEMENT | Arvind Kejriwal Keeps All Options Open, Hints At Post-poll Alliance In Exchange For Statehood For Delhi

Calling it a betrayal for the people of Delhi, AAP leader and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said that the Congress party has never fulfilled its promise of statehood for the national capital in the past 20 years.

He took to Twitter and wrote, "Congress manifesto is a big betrayal for the people of Delhi. It has promising full statehood to people of Delhi over the past 20 years. But why did it turn around? How people will believe that Congress will fulfill other promises."

While AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has been running a massive campaign for full statehood for Delhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi declined to seal an alliance with the ruling party in the national capital. 

Delhi and Puducherry have legislative assemblies but do not enjoy the powers of a full states. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi and the Congress government in Puducherry have been at loggerheads with the offices of the LG, accusing them of not allowing elected chief ministers to function.

READ: Full Congress 2019 Lok Sabha Elections Manifesto

(inputs from PTI)