Manmohan Singh represented the state of Assam in the Rajya Sabha for five consecutive terms from 1991 to 2019
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday appealed to the people of Assam in a video message, to "vote wisely" for the government that upholds the constitution and democracy. He represented the state of Assam in the Rajya Sabha for five consecutive terms from 1991 to 2019.
"The people of Assam enabled me to serve our country as Finance Minister of India for five years and as Prime Minister for 10 years. Today I am speaking as one of you. Once again the time has come for you to cast your ballot... You must vote wisely," Dr Singh urged. In 2016, the Congress had lost power to the BJP after ruling for fifteen years in the state.
Dr Singh warned the people of the society being divided on the basis of religion, culture and language where even the basic rights of the common man are being denied. "There is an atmosphere of tension and of fear. The ill-conceived notes ban and badly implemented GST (Goods and Services Tax) have weakened the economy. Lakhs of people and women had lost their livelihoods, youths were desperate for decent jobs, the rise in prices of fuel and cooking gas had made life difficult for the common man, the poor are becoming poorer and COVID-19 is making matters much worse," he said referring to the price hike of petrol, diesel and LPG.
Dr Singh urged the people to vote for the government that upholds the Constitution of India and the principles of democracy and cares for every citizen and community. He also mentioned five promises of the Congress' manifesto which includes not to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), jobs for unemployed youth, increased wages for tea plantation workers, Rs 2,000 allowance for all housewives and free electricity of up to 200 units for every household. Assam Assembly elections will start on Saturday and end on April 6 while the results will be declared on May 2.
The Brief. Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now.