Highlights of BJP poll manifesto

Uniform Civil Code:

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has promised to adopt a Uniform Civil Code. According to the manifesto, India cannot have gender equality until a Uniform Civil Code is put in place. The party pledged to legislate a Bill to prohibit and eliminate practices such as ‘Triple Talaq’ and ‘Nikah Halala.’

Agrarian distress:

The party will launch a pension scheme with Rs 6,000 (Dh316) yearly income support to farmers and pension to small and marginal farmers above 60 years of age. Also, Rs 25 trillion (Dh1.32 trillion) will be invested in agri sector to improve farm productivity. The party also promised to provide short-term new agriculture loans up to Rs 100,000 at 0 per cent interest rate for 1-5 years on the condition of prompt repayment of the principal amount.

Ram Temple:

The BJP said it will explore all possibilities within the framework of the Constitution to facilitate the expeditious construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. The party will secure Constitutional protection on all issues related to faith and belief.

National security:

For strengthening the armed forces, the BJP will ensure expeditious purchase of all outstanding defence equipment and weapons. The party said it will give a free hand to security forces in combating terrorism.

Poverty alleviation:

The BJP has promised to bring down the percentage of families living below the poverty line to a single digit in the next five years. The party will ensure pucca (solid and permanent) houses for families either living in kuchha houses (made from mud, thatch, or other low-quality materials) or without access to housing by 2022.

Infrastructure:

The BJP said it will invest Rs 100 trillion in the infrastructure sector by 2024. LPG gas cylinder connection to all poor rural households will also be ensured.

Kashmir:

The BJP will abrogate Article 370, annul Article 35A and focus on the return of Kashmiri Pandits to Kashmir Valley. The party emphasised that it had zero tolerance towards terrorism and will continue tough measures in Kashmir.

Reservation for women:

The BJP has promised to accord high priority to women’s welfare at all levels. The party said it was fully committed to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in parliament and state legislative assemblies through a Constitutional amendment.

Education:

The party will open another 200 Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalaya schools by 2024. Also. Rs 1 trillion will be invested in higher education.

Health:

The BJP will build 75 new medical colleges and post graduate colleges in the country. The party said it will establish 150,000 health and wellness centres under ‘Ayushman Bharat’ scheme. The doctor-population ratio will be increased to 1:1,400.

Economy:

The party will endeavour to improve India’s position in ‘Ease of Doing Business’ ranking. It will also work towards improving Gross Domestic Product (GDP) share from the manufacturing sector. A National Policy for Retail Trade for the growth of retail business will be created.

National Register of Citizens (NRC):

The BJP will implement NRC in a phased manner in Assam and other parts of the country. The party is committed to the enactment of Citizenship Amendment Bill for the protection of individuals of religious minority communities from neighbouring countries escaping persecution.