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