NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday released its manifesto called Sankalp Patra’, ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha Elections.
Here’s a list of 10 promises by the BJP that is expected to grab the attention of the voters the most.
Jammu & Kashmir – Article 370
The Manifesto read: 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. We believe that Article 35A is an obstacle in the development of the state. We will take all steps to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all residents of the state. We will make all efforts to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits and we will provide financial assistance for the resettlement of refugees from West Pakistan, Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Chhamb.
Doubling farmers’ income
The manifesto read: At the very beginning of our current term, Prime Minister Modi embarked on a mission to double farmers’ income. We will make all efforts to achieve this goal by 2022. The manifesto promised: 25 lakh crore investment in Agri-rural sector – We are committed to making an investment of Rs. 25 lakh crore to improve the productivity of the farm sector.
Interest-free Kisan Credit Card loans – We will provide sho-term new agriculture loans up to Rs. 1 lakh at a 0% interest rate for 1-5 years on the condition of prompt repayment of the principal amount.
Reinforcing Border Security
The manifesto read: We have completed building six integrated check-posts with another under construction to facilitate easier trade and travel from the neighboring countries. We will further ease the movement of goods and people by constructing 14 more integrated check-posts by 2024. After completion of all the proposed integrated check-posts, all trade movement with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan will be conducted through the integrated check-posts.
Citizenship Amendment Bill
The manifesto read: We are committed to the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Bill for the protection of individuals of religious minority communities from neighboring countries escaping persecution. We will make all efforts to clarify the issues to the sections of the population from the Northeastern states who have expressed apprehensions regarding the legislation. We reiterate our commitment to protect the linguistic, cultural and social identity of the people of Northeast. Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs escaping persecution from India’s neighboring countries will be given citizenship in India.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Terrorism
The Manifesto read: Our security doctrine will be guided by our national security interest only. This is exemplified by the Surgical Strikes and the Air Strikes carried out recently. We will firmly continue our policy of Zero Tolerance’ against terrorism and extremism and will continue to follow our policy of giving a free hand to our security forces in combating terrorism.
National Security
The manifesto read: Strengthening our Armed Forces – We will speed up the purchases of outstanding defense-related equipment and weapons. In order to equip the Armed Forces with modern equipment, we will continue to take focused steps to strengthen the strike capability of the Armed Forces.
Welfare of Soldiers
The manifesto read: We have already demonstrated our commitment to the welfare of our veterans with the implementation of long-delayed OROP. To take this commitment forward, we promise to create a more effective framework for the resettlement of our Armed Forces veterans. Under this effort, the Armed Forces will start planning for the resettlement of soldiers three years before their retirement and in accordance with their preferences. This will include provision for skills training, so skills training, financial support for higher education, for housing and for staring an enterprise.
Combating Infiltration
The manifesto reads: There has been a huge change in the cultural and linguistic identity of some areas due to illegal immigration, resulting in an adverse impact on local people’s livelihood and employment. We will expeditiously complete the National Register of Citizens process in these areas on priority. In future we will implement the NRC in a phased manner in other pas of the country
Ram Mandir
The Manifesto read: We reiterate our stand on Ram Mandir. We will explore all possibilities within the framework of the Constitution and all necessary efforts to facilitate the expeditious construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Uniform Civil Code
The Manifesto read – Article 44 of the Constitution of India lists Uniform Civil Code as one of the Directive Principles of State Policy. BJP believes that there cannot be gender equality till such time India adopts a Uniform Civil Code, which protects the rights of all women, and the BJP reiterates its stand to draft Uniform Civil Code, drawing upon the best traditions and harmonizing them with the modern times.
