New Delhi: Promising an era of strong economic growth, job creation, tackling the corruption menace, zero tolerance on terrorism and a strong foreign policy, BJP released its manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections on Monday. The manifesto pledges ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshta Bharat – Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ (One India, Great India – Unity and Development for everyone). Â Contentious issues like Ram Temple, abrogation of Article 370 and enactment of Uniform Civil Code have been included. Significantly the manifesto is a balancing act to show case that the infighting in the saffron party is being kept on the back burner, with the photographs of all senior leaders and party Chief Ministers have been used on the cover page.
The 52-page document, released at the party headquarters, pledged to provide good governance and inclusive development. “BJP reiterates its stand to explore all possibilities within the framework of the Constitution to facilitate the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya,” the manifesto said.
The release of the manifesto coincided with the opening day of the 9-phased Lok Sabha elections drawing criticism from rivals. There was speculation that Modi had reservations over the document drafted by Joshi and that the pet themes of Sangh parivar may not figure in it in view of Modi’s stress on development in the current campaign.
On Uniform Civil Code, the manifesto said Article 44 of the Constitution lists Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as one of the directive principles of the state policy. “BJP believes that there cannot be gender equality till such time India adopts a UCC which protects the rights of all women and BJP reiterates its stand to draft a UCC drawing upon the best traditions and harmonising them with modern times,” said the document.
Highlights of the manifesto:-
- Tackling price rise
- Generating employment and encouraging entrepreneurship
- Ending corruption
- Bringing back black money
- Better centre-state relations
- Integrating the nation – its vastness and voices
- Ensure decentralisation and people’s participation
- Take the country from representative to participatory democracy
- E-governance: easy, efficient and effective
- Institutional reform – administrative, judicial, police and electoral
- Better judicial system
- Reform police force
- Electoral reforms
- Bridge the gap and uplift the poor and downtrodden
- Food security for all
- Social justice and empowerment for SCs, STs, OBCs and other weaker sections
- Equal opportunity for minorities
- Meet aspirations of neo-middle class
- Make urban areas high growth centres
- Focus on children – the future of the nation
- Security for senior citizens
- Focus on women – the nation builder
- Improvement of education system, school education, higher and professional education
- Focus on vocational training
- Economic revival
- Simple Taxation system
- No foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail
- Make agriculture more productive, scientific and rewarding
- Make industry modern, competitive and caring
- Focus on reviving manufacturing sector
- Special emphasis on MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises)
- Focus on handicrafts and artisans
- Services to be driven by quality and efficiency
(With PTI inputs)