Congress has released its manifesto today for the Lok Sabha elections in which the party promises to achieve an 8% economic growth rate within three years of being elected to power—to be sustained over the next two decades.

The manifesto promises more investment in infrastructure, poverty allievation, healthcare, pension schemes and other people-friendly initiatives, as well as inclusive development. While presenting the manifesto Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh attacked the BJP on several parameters - on its economic record, its vision for India and the rhetoric of its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh also defended his 10 year long rule. He said, "Congress model is a real model. It has long term solutions. Congress record is visible to everyone who cares to look at it."

The manifesto promises to achieve the target of fiscal deficit of 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2016-17, “and remain below that level always”.

It will be great to see of this manifesto full of promises will also promise the Congress party to be the ruling party again.