BJP Manifesto Promises Ram Mandir, Citizenship Bill, Annulment Of Article 35A

The BJP on Monday released its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls scheduled to start from April 11, with issues of nationalism, terror, Ram mandir , Citizenship Bill and simultaneous elections among its key promises.

BJP said it was making 75 pledges in its manifesto that can be fulfilled by 2022 when India celebrates 75 years of independence.

“Our ‘Sankalp Patra’ promises to fulfil all expectations of people,” party chief Amit Shah said at the launch.

Key takeaways

1. Ram mandir — Will evaluate all possibilities within the framework of the Constitution and all necessary efforts to facilitate the expeditious construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
2. Farmers — Reiterate promise that by 2022, we will double farmers income. Rs 6000 income support promised in the PM Kisan Yojana extended to all farmers. Pension facility to small and marginal farmers over 60 years of age.
3. Rural India - Will invest Rs 25 lakh crore for development in rural areas
4. Zero tolerance policy towards terrorism
5. Will bring in Uniform Civil Code
6. Citizenship Amendment Bill will be passed in both houses of the Parliament and implemented. Will respect every state’s cultural value.
7. Will debate and build consensus on simultaneous elections across the country
8. 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.
9.  Will revise tax slabs and tax benefits to ensure more cash and greater purchasing power in the hands of middle income families. Will also simplify GST process
10. Resolve to realise Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj. In line with this, we promise- housing, drinking water, digital connectivity through Bharatnet, road connectivity and Swach Bharat vision.
11. 33% reservation for women in parliament and state assemblies through a constitutional amendment.
12. Expanding Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan scheme to cover all small shopkeepers.
13. All habitations to get Open-Defecation Free (ODF) status
14. India to be $5 trillion economy by 2022, $10 trillion economy by 2032
15. Rs 100 lakh crore investment in infrastructure sector

Top party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi,  BJP chief Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj were present at the launch of the manifesto, described by the BJP as its “sankalp patra”.

BJP’s 13-member manifesto committee was headed by Rajnath Singh. Jaitley had on Sunday unveiled campaign themes and other materials of the party’s election campaign, with “Phir ek baar, Modi sarkar (Modi government, once more)” as the tag line. 

The Congress manifesto had put major thrust on welfare measures, including a promise of giving Rs 72,000 to the poorest 20% households in India.

BJP’s 2014-19 reign

“India’s development from 2014 to 2019 will be written in golden words in history,” Amit Shah said at the manifesto launch.

“Over 50 historic steps were taken in 5 years,” Shah said.

Before the launch of the manifesto, he said, “In 2014, the people of this great country had blessed us with a historic mandate. Despite majority, the BJP formed a government of the NDA under Narendra Modi ji.”

Shah said the government had fulfilled it promises in the areas of health, sanitation, electricity, gas and housing.

“Through surgical strikes, the Modi government sent out strong message that India cannot be taken lightly with strikes on terror” Shah said.

He also said India had emerged as a superpower in the world in the last 5 years.