The Indian National Congress (INC) for the first time ever will take in the recommendations from the non-resident Indian community in the party’s 2019 election manifesto - a document that reflects “the voice and aspirations of the people”.

The meeting was held in Dubai at the Steigenberger Hotel on February 22nd and 23rd.

Senior members from the Congress party led by Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), Rajeev Gowda, member of Rajya Sabha and convenor of the manifesto committee, Himanshu Vyas, Secretary to the All India Congress Committee - heard recommendations from delegates around the globe.

Sam Pitroda assured that all recommendations will be heard by the manifesto committee. However, not all will be included in the document. The recommendation given was not data-driven, he said.

“Our purpose is to study the NRI vision for India. The suggestions were not backed by surveys that were not the purpose. Party decided to take recommendations from NRIs for 3 reasons. We wanted to understand what Congress can do for the NRIs and what NRIs can do for India, and learn about the various areas of improvements in Indian governance.”

George Abraham requested the party to include a provision that will strengthen the integrity and independence of the Institutions that are under attack by the ruling party in India today. “They are weaponizing the agencies such as BI, RBI and Enforcement Directorate etc. and targeting oppositions, minorities and their Institutions”.

He further requested that the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card is made a true identity card for the Overseas Indian Citizens conducting their business or related activities when they visit India.

Rajeev Gowda, Convenor of the Manifesto committee said the move is historic one. “It is not possible to include all of them, we will choose the most essential ideas”.

Himanshu Vyas, Secretary of the AICC said all election-manifesto related document will be finalized in the next two weeks.

-Sowmya Sangam