The Bharatiya Janata Party, three days ahead of the start of 2019 Lok Sabha polls on April 11; released its manifesto for general election 2019. With the tag line "Phir Ek Bar, Modi Sarkar,” top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, launched the manifesto, described by the party as its "Sankalp Patra”. 

 

Calling them "75 promises for India@75,” the party said the manifesto reflected "people’s Mann Ki Baat. The BJP manifesto comes days after the main Opposition party Congress released its poll manifesto, promising several social and welfare schemes. They also promised a separate budget for farmers.”

 

Here are the key highlights from BJP’s elections manifesto:

 

 

Uniform Civil Code

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 a Uniform Civil Code, drawing upon the best traditions and harmonizing them with the modern times.

 

Citizenship Amendment Bill

The party stands committed to the Citizenship Amendment Bill. BJP reiterates its commitment to "protect the linguistic, cultural and social identity of the people of North-East.”

 

Ram Mandir 

 

The party reiterated its stand on Ram Mandir. The BJP in its manifesto said that they 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.

 

Farmer Income

PM-KISAN extended to all farmers in the country. BJP promises to double the income of farmers till 2022. Short 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. BJP says it will make an investment of Rs 25 lakh crore to improve the productivity of the farm sector. BJP also announced pension for small & marginal farmers on reaching 60 years of age.

 

Sabrimala

The BJP has promised to ensure that the subject of faith, tradition and worship rituals related to Sabarimala are presented in a comprehensive manner before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The manifesto said the party will endeavour to secure constitutional protection on issues related to faith and belief.

 

National Security

BJP’s security doctrine is guided by zero tolerance to terrorism. BJP promises to provide security forces with a free hand to curb extremism and terrorism. BJP promises to speed up purchase of outstanding defence related equipment and weapons.

 

National Register of Citizens

The manifesto states that 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. The party will expeditiously complete the National Register of Citizens process in these areas on priority and they will implement the NRC in a phased manner in other parts of the country.

 

Jammu & Kashmir Article 370

Promises the abrogation of Article 370. Also stands committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India. BJP says that article 35A is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Ensuring welfare for poor

The party is committed to bringing down the percentage of families living below the poverty line to a single digit in the next five years. The party will also will ensure pucca houses for families either living in kuchha houses or without access to housing by 2022.

 

Heahlthcare

1.5 lakh health and welfare centre will opened by the BJP. 75 medical colleges and PG medical colleges to be opened. Will target provisioning of telemedicine and diagnostic laboratory facilities at Health and Wellness Centres by 2022.

 

Triple Talaq

The BJP will legislate a bill to prohibit and eliminate practices such as Triple Talaq and Nikah Halala. The manifesto further read that the party has determinedly taken substantive measures to ensure overall development of women and promote gender equality.

 

Economy

Committed to further revise the tax slabs and the tax benefits to ensure more cash and greater purchasing power in the hands of our middle income families.Aims to improve ‘Ease of Doing business’ ranking of the country. Aspires to make India the third largest economy of the world by 2030. BJP says it is committed make India a US $5 trillion economy by 2025 and US $10 trillion economy by 2032.

 

Reservation for women

Women’s welfare and development will be accorded a high priority at all levels within the government and the party is committed to 33 per cent reservation in parliament and state assemblies through a constitutional amendment.

 

Traders

The party promises to set up National Traders Commission, which will be effective. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi maandhan scheme will cover small shopkeepers.

Transgenders

Committed to bring transgenders to the mainstream through adequate socio-economic and policy initiatives. BJP says it will ensure self-employment and skill development avenues for transgender youth.

 

Here's the full manifesto announcement by BJP: 

 

 

 Disclaimer : PunjabToday.in and other platforms of the Punjab Today group strive to include views and opinions from across the entire spectrum, but by no means do we agree with everything we publish. Our efforts and editorial choices consistently underscore our authors' right to the freedom of speech. However, it should be clear to all readers that individual authors are responsible for the information, ideas or opinions in their articles, and very often, these do not reflect the views of PunjabToday.in or other platforms of the group. Punjab Today does not assume any responsibility or liability for the views of authors whose work appears here.

_______________________________________________________________

Most shared Punjab Today articles:

 

KYUN KE HUM HAIN HINDUSTANI

Three Women of 1984

 FROM 1984 TO BARGARI - Hurt & angry, we’ve tried rage, anger. Did we miss karuna?   

REVISITING 1984 – RIOT AROUND A POLE     

KARTARPUR SAHIB: A CLARION CALL FOR PEACE IN AN AGE OF CYNICISM

If it could happen to Arun Shourie, imagine what could they do to you?

Healers & Predators – The Doctor is In, & is very corrupt

Amarinder, Badals, AAP — Every party in Punjab is now an Akali Dal

Welcome to 1947. Happy Independence Day. Would you like to step out?

In Pakistan, a donkey pays for democracy – bleeding, its nostrils ripped apart

WOOING THE PANTH: Amarinder a little less Congressy, Akali Dal a little more saffron

"Captain Amarinder Singh ji” and "Rahul”: Reading Sign Language In A Relationship

The Comrade In Punjab - Lost, Irrelevant, Asleep, Even Bored!

WATERS ROYALTY - The Loot that Rajasthan Committed

AMARINDER GOVT's LOVE FOR FARMERS, AND MY DAD's FOR HIS SCOOTER

OF SUNNY KID & HORSE SENSE: The Punjab-Punjab Ties 
A SAFFRON JOURNEY VIA CANADA

TRUDEAU VISIT AND RIGHT-WING MEDIA MACHINE

OF NIRMAL SINGH'S EYES 

Mr. CHIEF MINISTER, PLEASE CALL OFF JANUARY 7 FUNCTION
BAD, BAD WOMAN! 

MR PRESIDENT, PLEASE TAKE BACK HIS GALLANTRY MEDAL

 

_______________________________________________________________

Punjab Today believes in serious, engaging, narrative journalism at a time when mainstream media houses seem to have given up on long-form writing and news television has blurred or altogether erased the lines between news and slapstick entertainment. We at Punjab Today believe that readers such as yourself appreciate cerebral journalism, and would like you to hold us against the best international industry standards. Brickbats are welcome even more than bouquets, though an occasional pat on the back is always encouraging. Good journalism can be a lifeline in these uncertain times worldwide. You can support us in myriad ways. To begin with, by spreading word about us and forwarding this reportage. Stay engaged.

— Team PT