Terror, Security Mainstay Of BJP Manifesto

Terming the manifesto as a vision document for the “New India”, the manifesto promised to create growth opportunities for the people of India as the BJP sought continuity for the sake of stability.

The party that has been highlighting crackdowns on the terror groups by the way of surgical and air strikes in Pakistan, and putting the separatist elements under tight leash, stated in its manifesto that it will “firmly continue” the policy of ‘Zero Tolerance’ against terrorism and extremism and will continue to follow the policy of “giving a free hand to our security forces in combating terrorism.”

In order to strengthen the armed forces, the BJP claims to speed up the purchases of outstanding defense related equipment and weapons. “In order to equip the Armed Forces with modern equipment, we will continue to take focused steps to strengthen the strike capability of the Armed Forces,” the party manifesto stated.

For the welfare of soldiers, the party promises to create a more effective framework for the resettlement of Armed Forces veterans. “Under this effort, the Armed Forces will start planning for the resettlement of soldiers three years before their retirement and in accordance with their preferences. This will include provision for skills training, so skills training, and financial support for higher education, for housing and for starting an enterprise,” the manifesto said.

For combating infiltration, BJP claims to “implement the NRC in a phased manner in other parts of the country.”

The party in its manifesto states that it is “committed to the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Bill for the protection of individuals of religious minority communities from neighbouring countries escaping persecution.

“We will make all efforts to clarify the issues to the sections of population from the Northeastern states who have expressed apprehensions regarding the legislation. We reiterate our commitment to protect the linguistic, cultural and social identity of the people of Northeast. Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs escaping persecution from India’s neighbouring countries will be given citizenship in India,” the party stated.

The party has also reiterated its demand for “abrogation” of Article 370, “annulling” Article 35A in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In the Agriculture sector, the party reiterated its commitment to providing Rs 6,000 per year to the farmers as mentioned by the NDA government in its interim budget. “We have launched Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana to ensure fnancial support to farmers owning land up to 2 hectares. We will further expand the coverage of the scheme to all the farmers in the country…We will launch a pension scheme for all small and marginal farmers in the country so as to ensure social security to them on reaching 60 years of age. We are committed to making an investment of Rs. 25 lakh crore to improve the productivity of the farm sector. We will provide 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. Our scheme, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has ensured risk mitigation and provided insurance cover for all farmers. We will make enrolment of farmers under the scheme voluntary,” the manifesto read.

In addition it talked about launching Oilseeds Mission, building efficient storage and transport mechanism for agriculture produce, launching National Bee-keeping and Honey Mission to ensure additional returns to the farmers.

The manifesto said that in order to make India the third largest economy of the world by 2030, and committed to make India a $5 trillion economy by 2025 and $10 trillion economy by 2032.

For the welfare of small traders, the party promises to “establish National Traders’ Welfare Board and create a National Policy for Retail Trade for the growth of retail businesses. The BJP stated that it aims to take the Credit Guarantee Scheme credit to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024.

To ensure urban development, the party has vowed to set up five regional centres of excellence on urban issues. These centres will provide support to states and local bodies on issues of urban governance and growth.”

“We will launch a National Urban Mobility Mission to provide technology based urbanmobility solutions to all urban local bodies and increase the use of public transport, enhance walkability and cycle use… In the next five years, we will ensure that 50 cities are covered with a strong metro network,” the manifesto states. (ANI)