I find the BJP manifesto for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections much more realistic and credible than the manifesto released by the opposition party few days back.
Making national security its topmost priority, BJP has maintained it’s non tolerant stance on terrorism and has promised to strengthen the armed forces. The credibility of this promise is unquestionable for the incumbent government has time and again proved that it will not be a silent spectator like previous governments when terrorism strikes the nation. The retaliation after Uri and Pulwana are too fresh in the minds of every Indian to be reminded again.
Congress has made an unrealistic promise of NYAY scheme which if implemented, will put insurmountable pressure on the middle class asking them not to be “selfish”. BJP, on the other hand has promised to reduce the poverty to single digits. Just a couple of days back, Arun Jaitley had revealed the stats the earlier 21.9% BPL population has reduced to about 17% in the last 7–8 years. With the current growth in GDP, it might further go down to single digit by 2024–25.
The BJP manifesto has said that it will build 60,000 KMs of National Highways if voted to power again. This again is not too difficult to believe since the government had built 39,350 KMs of highways in the five years, up by 70% of UPA-2’s 24,690 KM.
BJP has reiterated its tough stance on the abrogation of article 370 and 35-A of the constitution which provide automonous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir and prohibits any non state resident to buy land in the state respectively. For BJP, the national interest has always been the topmost priority and it doesn’t shy away from making strong statement against anything that hampers the national development. Congress, on the other hand has maintained its diplomatic stand saying, “nothing will be done or allowed to change the Constitutional position”.
BJP has promised to focus on solid waste management in every village which can be totally believed taking into account the construction of 9 crore toilets under its Swachh Bharat Mission. I found nothing related to it Congress’ manifesto. I am not sure if they have mentioned about it.
Congress once again promised to waive off farmer’s outstanding loans continuing its freebie politics. While BJP has promised to work towards doubling their incomes by 2022.
These are some of the key areas where I found the BJP manifesto more credible than that of Congress.
In areas like women empowerment, startups, industrial development. NRC among others, both the parties have taken a strong stand and it’s difficult for me to decide what works better.
