Freebie-free BJP manifesto talks of welfare & development
The promises are categorised under 10 social groups and 14 issues
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pitch for electing a strong and stable government in an uncertain world beset by geopolitical tensions, as the BJP on Sunday released its manifesto, prioritising development and welfare while shunning populist measures and contentious issues like the NRC.
Named “Modi ki Guarantee”, the manifesto largely builds on the government’s existing welfare schemes targeted at different sections of society, while reiterating the BJP’s commitment to roll out one-nation-one-election and Uniform Civil Code, two issues mentioned in its 2019 manifesto too.
It promised to include all senior citizens above 70 years in the ‘Ayushman Bharat’ scheme, which provides health insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh. The manifesto also spoke of considering bullet trains in north, south and east India, and expanding “new age” trains like Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat. The manifesto promises are categorised under 10 social groups, including the poor, middle class, women, youth, senior citizens, farmers, fishermen, labourers, traders and traditionally deprived sections like the SC and ST, and 14 issues, including secure India, prosperous India and ease of living in cities among others.
It promises to expand the housing scheme for the poor and provide them with free electricity with its solar rooftop scheme.
For the middle class, it offered several measures to fulfil their dream of owning a house, creating high-value jobs and improved infrastructure for living.
To the youth, it promised strict implementation of the recently enacted law against paper leaks, boosting the start-up ecosystem and ensuring employment opportunities. The Mudra loan limit will also be hiked to Rs 20 lakh, it said. Better living conditions in cities have also found a place among the BJP’s promises with the party assuring voters of affordable housing, new satellite townships, ease of mobility, developing sustainable cities, improved air quality and removing open landfills in cities.