Many contentious issues have stirred the recent political landscape in India. One such revolves around the sanctity of women’s jewellery- the Stree Dhan, particularly the revered Mangalsutra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertions regarding the potential confiscation of women’s ornaments (Stree Dhan) and imposition of inheritance tax, as mentioned in Congress party’s manifesto, the Nyaya-Patra-2024, have ignited a firestorm of debate, prompting closer scrutiny of both manifestoes, i.e. Sankalp Patra and Nyaya Patra. The Congress manifesto for the 2024 general elections raises public apprehensions, as it proposes a redistribution of wealth by first acquiring the personal property of the masses. As much as it sounds, income tax is a positive initiative towards equitable wealth distribution. Still, the Congress Party’s bias for certain sections of society exposes its minority appeasement tools and tactics time and again.
The Sankalp Patra is more than any party manifesto, making promises to be forgotten once the party comes to power. Rather, it is the testament of the BJP-led NDA Government of all the toiling and strategic development it has done in the last ten years of its positive governance. Before making any humongous promises, the manifesto started as humbly as possible by mentioning the Government’s achievements so far. Jewelled with facts and data making the case for good governance, economic growth, and social justice, the party’s manifesto takes the cause even further with the resolution paper if elected in the 2024 general election. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in its 2024 Manifesto, encapsulates its commitment to steer India towards a future marked by resolution and justice.
Central to the BJP’s manifesto is the notion of resolution – a resolve to surmount challenges and propel India towards prosperity. Through its Sankalp Patra, the BJP outlines a roadmap for the nation’s development, charting a course that transcends the mundane realm of politics and aspires towards transformative change. The BJP’s track record in governance serves as a testament to its commitment to resolution. Over the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government has implemented bold reforms across various sectors, ranging from economic policy to social welfare. Initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan exemplify the party’s resolution to address long-standing challenges and catalyse progress. Furthermore, the BJP’s resolve extends beyond economic spheres to encompass national security and defence. The manifesto underscores the importance of strengthening India’s defence capabilities, modernising its armed forces, and safeguarding its borders against external threats.
Ushering with the most impoverished section of the society, the poor, the party manifesto goes till the formation of the sustainable Bharat. The manifesto encapsulates every aspect of Indian society, from its diverse people to its diverse needs in religion, tradition, technology, global leadership, and much more. The Sankalp Patra delineates a multifaceted approach towards achieving this Vision, encompassing economic revitalisation, social empowerment, and national rejuvenation.
Through initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, and Skill India, the BJP aims to unleash the entrepreneurial potential of India’s youth, catalysing innovation and job creation. A guarantee for quality education shall support this youth by redefining the education ecosystem and envisioning modern, universalised, quality education propelled by the momentum of NEP 2020. Further, the sports potential of the nation via its vibrant youth will also be tackled through sports startups, sports infrastructure, the inclusion of more traditional sports, hosting the Olympics, planning for retired sports persons, etc.
The emphasis on guaranteeing a Global Manufacturing Hub, World-Class Infrastructure, and Ease of Living in cities scores the importance of the thriving tier 2 and tier 3 cities that will eventually lead to developing a strong growing economy with sustainable and environment-friendly living. Initiatives include Make in India, PLI, and simplifying compliances to expand manufacturing, brand promotion and exports of One District One Product (ODOP) products, etc. Shipbuilding, pharmacy sector, electronic item manufacturing, aviation manufacturing, and defence manufacturing will be the stalwarts of this new economic global leader- Bharat. Constructing new tracks, expanding the Kavach Train protection system and Vande Sleeper trains, the Metro network, the PM Gram Sadak Yojana, modernisation airports, and expanding international airports will contribute to this state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Sankalp Patra takes care of the MSME, Small Traders and Vishwakarma, who shall help usher the nation’s all-around development nation.
Furthermore, the Sankalp Patra emphasises the importance of infrastructure development, digital connectivity, and sustainable urbanisation as economic growth and social progress drivers. By investing in projects such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and Smart Cities, the BJP seeks to bridge regional disparities, enhance mobility, and harness India’s demographic dividend to its fullest potential.
The Sankalp Patra does not just end at the significant, proposed capex but goes into the finer details of progress and development through the empowerment of its Garib Parivar Jan, Middle-Class Parivar Jan, Nari Shakti, Senior Citizens, Kisan Samman, Fishermen Families, and Shramik Samman. The BJP manifesto talks about free ration for the next 5 Years for the poor, expansion of PM Awas Yojna for affordable rural housing, slum redevelopment, clean cooking fuel, expanding Lakhpati Didi scheme, implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Ayushman for senior citizens, Ensuring Senior Citizen-Friendly Public Infrastructure, PM KISAN, PM Fasal Bima Yojna, launching Krishi Satellites, extending PM Matsya Yojna, etc.
In its manifesto, the BJP has assured that it will preserve and promote India’s rich culture and heritage. The party reiterated its commitment towards the holistic development of Ayodhya, digitisation of Bharatiya manuscripts and establishment of Bharatiya Sanskriti Kosh. It talks about building scientific temper and making Bharat a profound name in space exploration and development via the launch of Gaganyaan (human spaceflight mission), the establishment of Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), the creation of an Anusandhan Fund with ₹1 lakh crore to promote scientific research.
In tandem with its commitment to resolution, the BJP strongly emphasises justice – justice that is equitable, inclusive, and accessible to all sections of society. The party’s manifesto articulates its Vision for social justice, encompassing initiatives to uplift marginalised communities, empower women, and foster social harmony. Through schemes such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat, the BJP has endeavoured to extend the fruits of development to the grassroots level. By prioritising initiatives that address healthcare, sanitation, and financial inclusion, the party seeks to bridge the gap between privilege and deprivation, thereby advancing the cause of justice.
Moreover, the BJP’s commitment to justice extends to governance and accountability. The manifesto pledges to combat corruption, streamline bureaucratic processes, and enhance transparency in public administration. Initiatives such as Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and e-governance platforms exemplify the party’s efforts to promote accountability and eliminate intermediaries.
The Nyaya Patra – the Congress party’s manifesto, in contrast to the BJP’s comprehensive and focused approach, often appears contradictory and needs a clear strategic direction. While the BJP’s Sankalp Patra outlines specific policy priorities and actionable strategies for India’s development, the Congress manifesto often presents a disparate array of promises that need a coherent implementation plan. The Congress party’s reliance on populist rhetoric and entitlement-based schemes without addressing fundamental issues such as economic reforms and national security further diminishes its credibility compared to the BJP’s manifesto, which emphasises self-reliance, infrastructure development, and social empowerment.
Moreover, the Congress party’s manifesto is frequently criticised for needing more consistency, with its promises and priorities changing frequently to cater to different voter demographics. One example of the Congress party failing to fulfil promises from its election manifestos can be traced back to the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. In their manifesto titled “Aam Aadmi Ka Sipahi”, the Congress party promised to introduce a Right to Health Act to provide universal access to healthcare services. However, despite being in power following the elections, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government failed to enact such legislation. Such inconsistencies undermine the party’s Vision’s credibility and raise doubts about its ability to govern effectively. Additionally, the Congress party’s manifesto is perceived as ineffective and lacking in substance compared to the BJP’s focused and pragmatic approach to governance.
Regardless of the propositions in the Nyaya Patra, the essence of the Sankalp Patra remains unwavering: to foster a robust, empowered, and sovereign Bharat that stands peerless among nations.
In conclusion, the BJP’s 2024 Manifesto represents a synthesis of Vision and resolution – twin pillars upon which India’s future stands. Through its Sankalp Patra, the party articulates a bold yet pragmatic vision, aspirational yet grounded. By harnessing the spirit of resolve and the principles of justice, the BJP aims to propel India towards a future that is not only prosperous and powerful but also equitable and just. As the nation marches towards its tryst with destiny in 2047, the BJP’s manifesto serves as a compass, guiding India on its journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat. This nation is not just developed but also dignified and humane.
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