BJP Unveils Manifesto Promising Bold Reforms
As BJP Releases Manifesto, Scrutiny Ensues Over Feasibility of Promises
With Lok Sabha Elections on the way, every party is gearing up for their respective campaigns, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched its manifesto on 14th April 2024, laying out a comprehensive roadmap for the nation's future. Titled "Modi ki Guarantee- Committed to building Viksit Bharat by 2047," the manifesto promises a bunch of ambitious reforms across various sectors, hiking both anticipation and skepticism from political analysts and citizens alike.
The manifesto promises a wide array of aspirations and lays down an ardent objective for the remote future. The following points are highlighted in the manifesto-
1. BJP pledges to enhance infrastructure development along the borders with China, Pakistan, and Myanmar, incorporating technological advancements for smarter fencing.
2. The party commits to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act, extending citizenship to eligible individuals.
3. BJP vows to enact a Uniform Civil Code, citing Article 44 of the Constitution and emphasizing equal rights for women.
4. BJP aims to implement One Nation, One Election, with plans underway through a High Powered Committee to examine and implement simultaneous elections.
5. The party pledges to strengthen premier institutes like IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS through focused funding and infrastructure upgrades.
6. BJP reaffirms its dedication to bringing peace in Northeast India, promising to address issues in troubled areas and gradually remove AFSPA.
7. BJP asserts India's ascent as the third-largest economic power within a decade, attributing the achievement to sound policies and diligent execution.
8. Free ration for 80 crore citizens over the next five years under PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana is assured by the BJP.
9. Poor households will receive free electricity under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
10. Three crore rural women targeted to become financially independent under BJP's Lakhpati Didis initiative.
11. BJP pledges to develop infrastructure such as women's hostels and creches near industrial zones to encourage female workforce participation.
12. Expanded health services to ensure women's well-being, with a focus on combating anemia, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, and Osteoporosis.
13. BJP commits to implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for enhanced female representation in Parliament and State Legislatures.
14. Ayushman Bharat scheme to cover all senior citizens, offering access to free healthcare.
15. BJP promises periodic increases in Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, along with sustained financial assistance through PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
16. Krishi Infrastructure Mission to be launched for integrated planning and execution of agricultural infrastructure projects.
17. Krishi Satellite initiative planned for farm-related activities like crop forecasting and soil health monitoring.
18. Inclusion of auto, taxi, truck drivers, and others in social security schemes under BJP's agenda.
19. Empowerment of small traders and MSMEs through the adoption of ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) to expand their businesses using technology.
One of the flagship proposals is the pledge to double the country's GDP by 2030, a bold ambition that has raised eyebrows among economists. Critics state that achieving such a monumental growth target would necessitate unprecedented levels of investment, innovation, and structural reforms. In the realm of national security, the BJP manifesto emphasizes upholding India's defense capabilities through increased defense spending and modernization of the armed forces. However, questions linger over the practicality of these proposals amidst competing budgetary priorities and geopolitical tensions, especially the Iran and Israel war.
However, Environmentalists have expressed disappointment over the lack of concrete measures to address climate change and environmental degradation in the manifesto. With India facing increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources, some argue that the manifesto falls short of articulating a coherent environmental policy.
Supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party view the manifesto as a visionary document that has outlined a comprehensive roadmap for India's development. They applaud the party's promises of infrastructure development, economic growth, and national security enhancements. Supporters believe that the BJP's track record in governance and its leadership's commitment to fulfilling electoral promises make the manifesto credible and achievable.
However, critics and opposition parties have expressed disbelief about the feasibility and implementation of the promises outlined in the BJP manifesto. They have pointed to the party's past performance and questioned the efficacy of its policies in addressing pressing issues such as unemployment, agrarian distress, and social inequality. Opposition parties have also accused the BJP of making such high pledges aimed at winning votes without concrete execution plans.
Are BP's aspirations at par with reality? The time shall tell. As the election campaign unfolds, the party will try to convince voters that its vision for a "New India" is not just rhetoric, but a tangible path towards progress and prosperity. Nevertheless, the sky-high claims for aiming at 2047 and not the next five years may or may not result in an inflow of votes but the citizens will only trust a leader who is adept and true to his words.
