Bhubaneswar, Nov 6 (NationPress) The Congress party, acting as the opposition, unveiled its manifesto for the ongoing Nuapada by-election on Thursday. The document pledges to tackle various enduring challenges, such as the migrant labour crisis and ensuring irrigation for 60% of arable land, should the party secure a victory in the bypoll.

“This manifesto details Ghasiram Majhi’s previous efforts, key constituency issues, and our suggested remedies. Voters deserve to know their candidate, and with heightened public interest in the outcome of this bypoll, our manifesto plays a vital role. We will insist that the state government addresses these matters by persistently bringing them to the Assembly's attention,” stated the OPCC President.

The manifesto also showcases the development initiatives undertaken in Nuapada during the Congress party's administration in the state, particularly under the leadership of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das as MP, along with contributions from the party's bypoll candidate, Ghasiram Majhi.

The party aims to eradicate the issue of ‘Dadan Shramik’ or migrant labour by fostering agriculture-centric industries, enhancing agricultural practices, and reinforcing MGNREGS.

It also guaranteed irrigation coverage for 60% of agricultural land in the area through the development of the Patora Dam, the Tikhali project, and other minor irrigation initiatives, in addition to establishing cold storage facilities and effectively implementing the Forest Rights Act to resolve issues faced by farmers and tribal communities in the Nuapada district.

The Congress party further assured that if candidate Majhi triumphs in the bypoll, the party would prioritize filling vacant teaching positions in educational institutions and doctor positions in Primary and Community Health Centres throughout the district.

The manifesto noted that numerous development projects were accomplished during the Congress's tenure, both at the state and national levels.

Highlighted major projects include the approval of a super-speciality hospital in Nuapada in 2013 while the Congress was in power at the Centre, the construction of the Patora Dam during the party’s governance in the state from 1995 to 2000, the Centre’s endorsement of a National Highway traversing the district, and the establishment of two Kendriya Vidyalayas, among others.