Deciphering Election Manifestos: BJP vs. Congress

As the nation gears up for another round of Parliamentary elections, the political landscape is abuzz with promises, alliances, and the unveiling of poll manifestos. These documents serve as guiding principles for political parties, offering insights into their vision and commitments to the electorate.

In the current electoral battleground, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) emerge as the principal contenders, each striving to secure the mandate of the people.

BJP's Manifesto: A Pragmatic Approach

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has adopted a pragmatic approach, presenting its manifesto as a guarantee of delivery. Modi has assured the public that if entrusted with a third consecutive term, the BJP will fulfill the commitments outlined in its manifesto. The party's manifesto focuses on critical pillars such as justice for women, youth empowerment, support for the underprivileged, and economic growth. Initiatives to bolster employment, promote entrepreneurship, and position India as a global manufacturing hub take center stage. The BJP vows to expedite governmental recruitments, foster startups, and expand credit programs like MUDRA to nurture budding entrepreneurs.

Congress Party's Manifesto: Advocating Harmony and Equity

In contrast, the Congress Party advocates harmony, equity, and support through subsidies in its manifesto. The party emphasizes addressing the concerns of marginalized communities, including farmers, women, and senior citizens. The manifesto targets unemployment and proposes a new right to Apprenticeship Act. It also commits to filling central government vacancies, providing relief for pandemic-affected exam takers, and addressing senior citizens' health concerns.

Empowerment of Marginalized Communities

Both parties extend their outreach to marginalized communities, with special emphasis on farmers, women, and senior citizens. The BJP promises to fortify agricultural support with initiatives like the Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana and continuation of minimum support prices. Meanwhile, the Congress pledges a legal guarantee of minimum support prices and the establishment of a permanent commission on agricultural finance.

Empowerment of Women

Empowerment of women features prominently in both manifestos. The BJP aims to empower three crore rural women through the Lakhpati Didi scheme and expand health services catering to women's health issues. On the other hand, the Congress proposes a cash transfer of one lakh crore annually to poor Indian families, along with a reservation of 50% of central government jobs for women from 2025 onwards.

Economic Vision

The BJP envisions India as the third-largest global economy by 2047, emphasizing low inflation, economic growth, and increased employment opportunities. In contrast, the Congress promises a secular, equitable society with reduced income inequality and widespread access to national wealth.

Prioritising health of senior citizens

In this election cycle, both the BJP and the Congress are making sincere efforts to address the health issues of senior citizens. The BJP pledges to expand the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with coverage up to the age of 70 for senior citizens. Additionally, it promises collaboration with state governments to provide convenient facilities for senior citizens undertaking sacred pilgrimages.

As voters navigate through the myriad of promises, it is imperative to discern the credibility of election manifestos beyond mere allurements. The sanctity of these documents lies not in the magnitude of freebies but in their feasibility and implementation.

In the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024, the electorate holds the power to discern between rhetoric and reality, determining the trajectory of the nation's future. Ultimately, it is up to the voters to make informed choices based on a thorough understanding of the manifestos presented by the competing political parties.