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With another round of Parliamentary elections looming, the political arena is buzzing with promises, alliances, and the unveiling of party manifestos. These documents serve as guiding lights for political parties, offering a glimpse into their vision and commitments to the public.
In the current electoral contest, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) emerge as the primary contenders, each vying for the trust of the people.
BJP's Pragmatic Manifesto: Modi's Pledge for Action
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the BJP presents a pragmatic approach, framing its manifesto as a pledge of action. Modi assures the public that if given a third term, the BJP will fulfill its commitments. The manifesto focuses on key areas like justice for women, empowering youth, supporting the underprivileged, and fostering economic growth. Measures to boost employment, promote entrepreneurship, and elevate India as a global manufacturing hub are highlighted. The BJP promises expedited governmental recruitments, support for startups, and the expansion of credit programs like MUDRA to nurture budding entrepreneurs.
Congress Party's Manifesto: Advocating Harmony and Fairness
In contrast, the Congress Party advocates harmony, fairness, and support through subsidies in its manifesto. The party emphasizes addressing the concerns of marginalized communities, including farmers, women, and senior citizens. The manifesto aims to tackle unemployment and proposes a new Apprenticeship Act. It also commits to filling central government vacancies, providing relief for pandemic-affected exam takers, and addressing senior citizens' health issues.
India's Democratic Saga: Unveiling the 2024 Election Dynamics
Empowering Marginalized Communities
Both parties extend their outreach to marginalized communities, with a special focus on farmers, women, and senior citizens. The BJP pledges to strengthen agricultural support through initiatives like the Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana and continuing minimum support prices. Meanwhile, the Congress promises a legal guarantee of minimum support prices and the establishment of a permanent commission on agricultural finance.
Empowering Women
Empowering women is a key feature of both manifestos. The BJP aims to empower three crore rural women through the Lakhpati Didi scheme and expand health services catering to women's needs. Conversely, the Congress proposes a cash transfer of one lakh crore annually to poor Indian families, along with reserving 50% of central government jobs for women from 2025 onwards.
Economic Vision
The BJP envisions India as the world's third-largest economy by 2047, emphasizing low inflation, economic growth, and increased job opportunities. In contrast, the Congress promises a secular, equitable society with reduced income inequality and widespread access to national wealth.
Prioritizing Senior Citizens' Health
Both the BJP and the Congress are making efforts to address the health issues of senior citizens in this election cycle. The BJP pledges to expand the Ayushman Bharat scheme, providing 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 plethora of promises, it is crucial to discern the credibility of election manifestos beyond mere allurements. The integrity of these documents lies not in the size of giveaways but in their feasibility and implementation.
In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2024, the electorate has the power to distinguish between rhetoric and reality, shaping 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.