As the country gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections for the year 2024, the major political parties of India, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) announced their respective manifestos, each having a distinct focus on national security and foreign policies.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is likely to focus more on economic growth, national security, and cultural promotion, while focusing on economic progress and job creation. All of these can benefit the country, however, there has been an ongoing concern that their approach may prioritise development at the expense of environmental sustainability. The party’s strong emphasis on national security could lead to an overbearing focus on military and defence measures, potentially overshadowing other critical areas such as education and healthcare. Additionally, the party’s cultural and traditional identity initiatives might resonate with some voters, but could alienate minority communities if they are not inclusive enough.
On the other hand, the Indian National Congress (INC) manifesto prioritises social justice, regional stability, and civil liberties, however, these priorities reflect a more focused vision on addressing inequality and promoting democratic institutions, which can enhance the quality of life for marginalised groups. However, the party must be careful to present clear and feasible economic policies to avoid the perception of impractical promises, that the Congress has been alleged with. While strengthening relationships with neighbouring countries is important for regional peace, the party should also consider broader international issues and national concerns. Overall, both manifestos need to balance immediate needs with long-term goals and provide specific, actionable plans for effective implementation.
Here are some of the major undertakings in respective manifestos of both parties:
- PAN-INDIA
BJP
- Implementation of CAA and Uniform Civil Code
- Free electricity
- One nation, one election
- Free housing for 30 million poor
- Free ration for 800 million Indians for the next 5 year
Congress
- Recognition of unions b/w LGBTQ+ individuals
- Ensuring national minimum wage at Rs 400/-
- 10% quota in jobs, educational institutions for Economically Weaker Sections
- Restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir
- WOMEN
BJP
- 3 crore rural women to become ‘Lakhpati Didi’
- Health services focusing on women
- Implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill
Congress
- Launching Mahalakshmi scheme, providing Rs 1 lakh/year to every poor Indian family
- Reservation of 50% of central govt jobs for women from 2025 onwards
- Doubling the number of working women hostels
- Youth
BJP
- Laws against paper leaks
- Filling govt vacancies promptly
- Conducive environment for startups and entrepreneurship
- Expansion of credit programs like Mudra yojana
- Making India a global manufacturing hub to boost employment
Congress
- Yuva Nyay program to tackle unemployment
- Right to Apprenticeship
- Filling ~30L govt post vacancies
- One-time relief for applicants unable to write public exams due to covid-19
- Senior Citizens
BJP
- Free health cover to people above the age of 70
- Creation of convenient facilities for senior citizens undertaking sacred pilgrimages
Congress
- Enforcing Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
- Increase in pension contributions for senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities to Rs. 1000/month
- Travel concessions in public transport
- Education
BJP
- Upgrading existing institutions
- Dynamic learning curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy 2020
- Industry-aligned curriculum and skill development in higher education
Congress
- Amending Right to Education Act to make education from Class I to XII in public schools compulsory and free
- Revision and amendment of the National Education Policy
- Emphasis on STEM subjects in school and college syllabuses
- Economy
BJP
- Guarantee of India becoming the 3rd largest economy
- Low inflation + economic growth
- Increasing employment opportunities and supporting taxpayers
Congress
- Doubling GDP in the next 10 years
- Laws to protect the rights and social security of gig workers and unorganized workers
- Support for free trade and rule-based international commerce
- Healthcare
BJP
- Strengthening AIIMS network
- Expansion of PM-ABHIM
- Expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendra network
- Ayushman coverage for transgender community
Congress
- Cashless insurance up to Rs 25 lakhs (Rajasthan Model)
- Free universal healthcare in public health centres
- Increase in healthcare budget to achieve 4% of total expenditure by 2028-29
- National Security
BJP
- Military theatre commands for more efficient operations
- Infrastructure development along India’s borders
- Modern weapons and technology for armed forces and police
Congress
- Abolishment of the Agnipath Scheme
- Issuing a National Security Strategy
- One rank One Pension (OROP)
- Institutionalising the process of appointing the Chief Defence Staff (CDS)
- Environment and Farmer
BJP
- Achieving + maintaining designated ambient air quality standards under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP
- Improving health and cleanliness of major rivers
- Strengthening the PM Fasal Bima yojana
- Increasing Minimum Support Prices (MSP)
Congress
- Strengthening the NCAP to tackle air pollution
- Establishing an Environment Protection and Climate Change Authority
- Legal guarantee of MSP announced annually by govt
- Establishing a Permanent Commission on Agricultural Finance to assess agricultural credit needs and loan tolerance
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