BJP poll menu vows CAA, misses Manipur crisis, NRC
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 14 2024: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its election manifesto for the upcoming elections to the 18th Lok Sabha, outlining a series of promises aimed at various issues concerning the nation.

Notably, the manifesto vows to address key issues related to the Northeast region in general as well as implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) but makes no mention on the ongoing crisis in Manipur and the much-sought NRC update.

Among the promises related with northeast highlighted in the manifesto is the phased removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in disturbed areas and resolving inter-state border disputes through sustained efforts.

Furthermore, the manifesto emphasises leveraging the Northeast as a strategic gateway to India's Act East Policy, focusing on connectivity, education, health, economic development, and security in the region.

Plans for adventure tourism and flood management, as well as infrastructure development along border areas, are also outlined in the document.

The BJP manifesto reaffirms party's commitment to reinforcing the fight against drugs, utilising technological solutions such as Big Data analytics, artificial intelligence, drones, and satellite imagery to combat drug trafficking effectively.

Additionally, the party asserts its determination to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to confer citizenship upon eligible individuals.

However, notable by its absence is any specific mention or plan to address the ongoing crisis in Manipur, especially concerning the recent ethnic clashes and the disappearance of individuals since May 3, last year.

The manifesto does not provide concrete steps or solutions to address the grievances of the affected families or to restore peace and stability in the region.

Promising to strengthen the sports ecosystem to make India a world leader in sports, the BJP manifesto - Sankalp Patra - said its government will facilitate the Indian Olympic Association to bid for hosting the Olympic Games in 2036 .

Touching on its cultural agenda after having fulfilled its decades-long promise of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the BJP said its government will undertake "significant new projects" across the country to develop religious and tourist sites inspired by the Kashi Vishwanath corridor model.

The manifesto's 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.

BJP also promises to implement the Uniform Civil Code; One Nation, One Election; make India third largest economic power; provide free ration to 80 crore citizens for the next five years; as well as enhancing MUDRA loan to Rs 20 lakh.

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