Thiruvananthapuram, March 7 (PTI): Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday unveiled five major welfare guarantee schemes that the United Democratic Front (UDF) would implement if it wins the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections.
Gandhi made the announcement while inaugurating the valedictory function of the Congress-led UDF’s month-long ‘Puthuyuga Yatra’ at Thiruvananthapuram. The yatra, led by Kerala Assembly Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, traversed the state to gather public feedback and build momentum ahead of the polls.
The five guarantees, styled on the lines of similar successful schemes in other states, focus on women, students, senior citizens, families and youth entrepreneurship. They are:
1. Free bus travel for women — All women will be able to travel free of cost in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.
2. ₹1,000 monthly stipend for college-going girl students — Financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to support higher education for girls.
3. Welfare pensions hiked to ₹3,000 — Monthly pension for all welfare categories increased to ₹3,000.
4. Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme — A comprehensive family health insurance programme named after former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, providing coverage of up to ₹25 lakh per family.
5. Interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh — Loans of up to ₹5 lakh for youth and small businesses to promote entrepreneurship; a dedicated minister will also be appointed for senior citizens’ welfare.
Addressing the gathering, Gandhi struck an emotional note, saying, “In the worst times, Kerala was not just my friend but also my protector. I am ready to do what is good for Kerala and for all of you. Forever, I am a soldier of the people of Kerala.” He called for complete unity within the UDF, urging leaders to “dance together”.
Gandhi also trained his guns at the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF government and the BJP. He alleged tacit coordination between the CPI(M) and the BJP and questioned why central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and CBI had not acted against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan despite serious allegations against him. He stressed the need for job creation through small and medium enterprises and appealed to Keralites living abroad to return and contribute to the state’s development.
UDF leaders described the guarantees as a direct response to the failures of the LDF government and said the schemes would form the core of the alliance’s election manifesto. Party sources indicated that more detailed policy documents on health, education and agriculture would be released in the coming weeks.
The announcement marks the formal launch of the UDF’s high-voltage campaign for the 2026 Assembly polls, with Congress banking heavily on Rahul Gandhi’s popularity in the state to challenge the decade-long LDF rule.
For More News Updates Follow Us On www.tconews.in
