BJP Manifesto key highlights: Ram Mandir, Nixing Article 370, 35A

BJP Manifesto key highlights: Ram Mandir, Nixing Article 370, 35A

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Apr 08, 2019 : Three days before the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, 8 April, released its manifesto with a focus on development and national security, Yahoo reported.

 

Top party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party President Amit Shah and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, were present at the launch of the manifesto – described by the BJP as its "sankalp patra" – in Delhi.

 

Here is a lowdown on what the BJP has promised to the people ahead of the polls.

1. 75 Promises to be Fulfilled by 2022

At the manifesto launch, BJP President Amit Shah said the party is going forward with 75 resolutions that can be fulfilled by the year 2022 when India completes 75 years of Independence.

2. Construction of Ram Mandir

While giving details about the manifesto promises, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the party’s effort would be for the establishment of the Ram Mandir as soon as possible in a harmonious environment. "As far as Ram Mandir is concerned, we reiterate the promise made in the last elections. We will weigh all our options and we will try that the Ram Mandir be built as soon as possible in a harmonious environment," he said.

3. Revoking Articles 370, 35A

The manifesto said the party is committed to the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, which gives Jammu and Kashmir a special status, as well as annulment of Article 35A. "We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir," the manifesto said.

4. Passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill

Rajnath Singh asserted during the manifesto launch that the BJP will ensure the passage of the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Parliament with "utmost respect to every state’s cultural values." The Bill was met with massive protests in the Northeast in the recent months.


5. Implementation of a Uniform Civil Code

The Home Minister also said the BJP is committed to the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code.

6. Rural Support

The BJP has promised to give a yearly income support of Rs 6,000 to all farmers under the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. The party has also promised to spend Rs 25 lakh crore on rural development in next five years.

7. Agriculture Loans at 0% Interest

The BJP also promised short-term agriculture loans up to Rs 1 lakh at a 0 percent interest rate for 1-5 years on the condition of prompt repayment of the principal amount.

8. 33% Reservation for Women in Parliament and State Assemblies

"Women’s welfare and development will be accorded a high priority at all levels within the government, and the BJP is committed to 33 percent reservation in Parliament and state Assemblies through a Constitutional amendment," the BJP’s manifesto said.

9. Zero Tolerance Towards Terrorism

At the manifesto launch, Rajnath Singh said that the party is fully committed on nationalism and zero tolerance towards terrorism, with a free-hand policy to the armed forces to deal with militants.

10. Revising Tax Slabs

The BJP has also promised to revise personal income tax slabs especially for the benefit of the middle classes.

 

No One Will Believe Gimmicks in BJP Manifesto: Congress

Minutes after BJP released their manifesto, the Congress party called it ‘jumla’ and said it was "a book of gimmicks".

“Enough is enough. The people of India have recognised you and your lies very well. Like our manifesto said - ‘Ab hoga nyay’,” said senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel.
"“The difference between BJP manifesto and Congress manifesto can be seen firstly from the cover page. Ours has a crowd of people, and BJP manifesto has the face of just one man. Instead of a manifesto BJP should have come out with a maafinama .”" - Ahmed Patel, Congress leader