In a bid to counter an aggressive Bharatiya Janata Party on the Hindutva front, the ruling Congress in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday pledged to grant minority status to the Sindhis and provide financial assistance to Mansarovar pilgrims and cow welfare initiatives.

Also see: Complete coverage of assembly elections

The 70-page Congress manifesto for the December 1 assembly poll in Madhya Pradesh was released in Bhopal by the state unit chief, Radhakishan Malviya, in the presence of Chief Minister Digvijay Singh.

The Sindhi community -- a traditional BJP vote bank -- has substantial presence in commercial centres like Indore, Jabalpur and Bhopal, and the promise to grant them minority status is an obvious ploy to win their votes.

The manifesto promises generous financial assistance for construction of 'gaushalas' (cow shelters) in the state. It also speaks of an advisory board for suggesting reforms in administration of temples.
 
The Congress has also promised to take necessary steps for proper development of religious places belonging to the minority community.

The manifesto says those found guilty in spreading communal riots will be barred from contesting elections.