In a ceremony steeped in symbolism and political pageantry, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rolled out its latest manifesto, charmingly dubbed the ‘Sankalp Patra’, at its Delhi headquarters. The event, coinciding with B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside a cadre of senior party stalwarts, presenting their vision for India’s future under the banner “Modi’s Guarantee: Developed India 2047.” A lofty title for lofty goals, indeed!
The manifesto is a vivid tapestry of cultural nationalism and promises a bounty of development, prosperity, and welfare across various societal segments. Touted to be the GPS for guiding the nation to 2047, the year when India will mark a century of independence, it’s peppered with commitments to uplift everyone from the plucky youth and diligent farmers to the spirited women and the underprivileged—a smorgasbord of beneficence packaged neatly under the acronym GYAN (Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata, Naari Shakti).
During the grand unveil, PM Modi didn’t just speak; he turned over copies of the manifesto to representatives of these groups, symbolically and literally handing over his promises. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh waxed eloquent about the manifesto’s alignment with Modi’s past assurances, dubbing “Modi ki guarantee” not just a tagline but a testament to governance excellence. This year’s political playbook includes everything from advocating for “one nation, one poll” and expanding 5G, to hosting global Ramayan festivals—a blend of modernity and tradition that only a political scriptwriter could dream up!
Across the aisle, the Congress party, not to be outdone, has already unleashed its ‘Nyay Patra‘ into the electoral wilds. With leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi at the helm, they’ve woven together 25 assurances, with a standout promise of handing over Rs 100,000 annually to the poorest women in families—a direct financial assist that could either be a game-changer or a fiscal fantasy, depending on who you ask.
As the election drums beat louder, the air thick with promises and counter-promises, the electorate stands at the precipice of choice. With manifestos in hand and rhetoric in the air, voters are gearing up to decide whose vision of tomorrow resonates most closely with their own aspirations. Will it be the BJP’s broad strokes of cultural pride and developmental assurance or Congress’ targeted financial overtures? Only the ballot box will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the stage is set, the actors are ready, and the Indian political theatre is alive and kicking. Get your popcorn ready, folks—it’s going to be a show!
Here are 15 key highlights from the BJP’s manifesto: I’ve tried capturing some of the most significant promises and initiatives. Feel free to attack or congratulate me for carrying out this mammoth task on a Sunday, on Tamil New Year, no less.
- One Nation, One Election: Advocating for simultaneous elections to streamline governance and reduce administrative burdens.
- Expansion of 5G Services: Aiming to broaden the reach and accessibility of 5G technology across India, enhancing connectivity and technological empowerment.
- Implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): Emphasising the commitment to the CAA as a part of the party’s broader agenda on national security and cultural integration.
- Introduction of Uniform Civil Code (UCC): Aiming to standardise personal laws across all religions to reinforce the unity and secular fabric of the nation.
- Social Security Schemes Expansion: Including taxi drivers and other informal sector workers in social security schemes to provide broader safety nets. This is aimed at uplifting the underprivileged segments of society, ensuring better access to healthcare, education, and employment.
- Empowering Three Crore Rural Women: Launching initiatives to make three crore rural women ‘Lakhpati Didis’, enhancing their economic independence and quality of life.
- Healthcare Reforms with Ayushman Bharat Expansion: Extending health coverage and focusing on preventive healthcare to ensure accessible and affordable health services for all.
- Education and Skill Development: Revolutionizing the educational landscape through the New Education Policy (NEP) and enhancing skill development to meet global and futuristic demands.
- Global Ramayan Festival: Promoting Indian culture on an international stage through the celebration of the Ramayan, aligning with the theme of cultural nationalism.
- Empowerment of Women: Introducing new policies and initiatives specifically aimed at empowering women, including financial assistance and enhanced welfare programs.
- Enhanced Focus on Youth: Creating more opportunities for young Indians through education, employment, and entrepreneurship programs tailored to their needs.
- Support for Farmers (Annadatas): Increasing support for farmers through more robust Minimum Support Prices (MSP), improved agricultural infrastructure, and direct financial aids like the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
- Infrastructure Development: Committing to world-class infrastructure projects that promise to modernize urban and rural landscapes alike, enhancing connectivity and living standards.
- Cultural Heritage and Tourism: Investing in the conservation of India’s rich cultural heritage and promoting it globally to boost tourism and national pride.
- Good Governance and Transparency: Emphasising the importance of transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance through the continued implementation of e-governance and digital solutions.
These highlights underscore the BJP’s vision of a forward-looking, culturally rich, and technologically advanced India by 2047, aligning with the overarching goal of making India a global powerhouse.
For additional details, check out the full list of promises from BJP Manifesto 2024:
Garib Parivar Jan:
- BJP assures expansion of the PM Awas Yojana to ensure quality housing for every poor family.
- Provide clean drinking water for all households under “Har Ghar Nal se Jal”.
- Scale up slum redevelopment to provide quality housing.
- Continue and expand the distribution of clean cooking fuel under PM Ujjwala Yojana.
- Introduce zero electricity bill for poor households under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
- Continue providing free ration for the next five years under PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
- Expand efforts to protect “garib ki thali” by achieving self-reliance in the production of pulses, edible oils, and vegetables.
- Continue providing free and quality healthcare under Ayushman Bharat.
Middle-Class Parivar Jan:
- BJP promises to create high-value job opportunities by expanding India’s startup ecosystem to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
- Ensure quality healthcare and expand medical infrastructure.
- Promote quality higher education by adding more institutions like IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.
- Improve infrastructure for ease of living with better connectivity and modern urban facilities.
- Develop sustainable cities with more green spaces and better urban planning.
Nari Shakti:
- BJP vows to increase women’s participation in sports and maintain public toilets for women.
- Expand health services focused on diseases prevalent among women.
- Implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to provide reservations for women in Parliament and state legislatures.
- Expand Shakti Desks at police stations to ensure timely investigation and resolution of women’s issues.
- Enhance the emergency helpline 112.
- Empower three crore rural women to become economically self-sufficient under the Lakhpati Didis initiative.
- Integrate women SHGs into the service sector for better income opportunities.
For Young Citizens:
- BJP will develop an integrated education framework under NEP.
- Provide new employment opportunities in tourism and transparent government recruitment.
- Promote the entrepreneurial spirit by expanding credit programs like Mudra.
- Expand the startup ecosystem and provide mentorship to startups.
- Increase employment opportunities in manufacturing and invest in infrastructure.
For Senior Citizens:
- BJP to organise Ayush camps and ensure senior citizen-friendly public infrastructure.
- Facilitate convenient Teerth Yatra and expand Ayushman Bharat to include senior citizens.
- Introduce a National Senior Citizens portal for knowledge sharing.
- Provide training in digital skills and ensure government services are accessible at home.
For Farmers (Kisan Samman):
- BJP will develop Digital Public Infrastructure in agriculture and double custom hiring centres.
- Upgrade Krishi Vigyan Kendras and expand PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras.
- Strengthen PM KISAN with continued financial assistance and enhance PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
- Support Annadatas to become self-reliant in pulses and edible oil production.
- Promote Shree Anna as a superfood and strengthen natural farming.
Modi ki Guarantee for Fishermen Families:
- Implement a comprehensive ‘Blue Revolution’ program focusing on the sustainable growth of the fisheries sector.
- Enhance credit access to fishermen through specialized schemes tailored for the fisheries sector.
- Provide modern fishing facilities and technology to increase the productivity and catch of fishermen.
- Establish fish processing and value-addition clusters near fishing areas to boost income.
- Implement safety and insurance programs specifically designed for the welfare of fishermen and their families.
Modi ki Guarantee for Shramik Samman (Labourers):
- BJP to increase employment opportunities through massive infrastructure projects and manufacturing growth.
- Implement labour welfare schemes that ensure fair wages, healthcare benefits, and safe working conditions.
- Provide portable social security benefits that can be accessed anywhere in India, ensuring continuous coverage.
- Promote skill development programs tailored for the evolving job market, enhancing employability and income.
- Guarantee legal support and swift grievance redressal mechanisms to protect labour rights.
Modi ki Guarantee for MSME, Small Traders and Vishwakarmas:
- BJP will enhance credit facilities to MSMEs through schemes like MUDRA to support their business expansion and modernization.
- Create dedicated industrial corridors and clusters for MSMEs to foster innovation and reduce operational costs.
- Introduce simplified GST procedures and compliance mechanisms to ease the tax burden on small traders.
- Establish a digital platform for MSMEs to facilitate their integration into national and global supply chains.
- Launch targeted programs for Vishwakarmas to modernize their tools and techniques, preserving traditional crafts while boosting their market reach.
Modi ki Guarantee for Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas:
- BJP to strengthen the framework for social and economic equality, focusing on the upliftment of underprivileged and marginalised communities.
- Expand digital literacy and access to technology in rural and underserved areas to bridge the digital divide.
- Foster communal harmony and social integration through community-driven development projects.
- Enhance the effectiveness of affirmative actions, ensuring they reach the intended beneficiaries.
- Develop comprehensive programs to eradicate poverty, focusing on sustainable livelihoods and education.
Modi ki Guarantee for Vishwa Bandhu Bharat:
- BJP, under Modi, will strengthen India’s diplomatic relations and partnerships on global platforms, promoting peace and mutual development.
- Expand India’s role in international organisations, advocating for equitable and sustainable global policies.
- Launch initiatives that showcase India’s cultural heritage and soft power globally.
- Develop international trade policies that boost India’s exports and strengthen economic ties with key partners.
- Enhance the protection and welfare of Indian expatriates, ensuring their rights and well-being globally.
Modi ki Guarantee for Surakshit Bharat (Safe India):
- BJP promises to bolster national security measures to protect against external threats and maintain territorial integrity.
- Enhance cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against digital threats and ensure data sovereignty.
- Strengthen disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to effectively manage natural and man-made disasters.
- Implement community policing initiatives to enhance safety and security at the local level.
- Promote road safety through stringent enforcement of traffic laws and modernization of road infrastructure.
Modi ki Guarantee for Prosperous Bharat:
- BJP assures driving economic growth through innovation, entrepreneurship, and scalable business models.
- Implement policies that promote sustainable agriculture, energy, and industrial practices.
- Enhance fiscal stability through prudent economic policies and effective governance.
- Promote inclusive growth by integrating all sectors of the economy into the development process.
- Invest in future technologies to keep India at the forefront of the global digital economy.
Modi ki Guarantee for Global Manufacturing Hub:
- BJP to develop policy frameworks to attract foreign investments in manufacturing, aiming to make India a leader in global manufacturing.
- Support the development of manufacturing zones equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
- Promote R&D in manufacturing to enhance quality and competitiveness on a global scale.
- Foster skill development specifically designed for the manufacturing sector to ensure a skilled workforce.
- Implement environmental standards to ensure sustainable manufacturing practices.
Modi ki Guarantee for World-Class Infrastructure:
- BJP will accelerate the development of world-class transport networks including highways, railways, airports, and waterways.
- Focus on smart cities and urban renewal projects that enhance the quality of life for urban populations.
- Promote the use of renewable energy in infrastructure projects to reduce the carbon footprint.
- Implement policies that ensure the timely completion of projects and transparency in public infrastructure development.
- Enhance connectivity in rural areas to facilitate access to markets and services.
Modi ki Guarantee for Ease of Living in Cities:
- BJP to develop comprehensive urban transport solutions to ease congestion and enhance mobility.
- Expand affordable housing initiatives to meet the needs of urban populations.
- Enhance civic amenities such as water supply, sanitation, and waste management systems.
- Implement digital governance solutions to make city management more efficient and citizen-friendly.
- Promote green spaces and sustainable urban environments to improve the quality of urban living.
Modi ki Guarantee for Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi (Heritage and Development):
- BJP to preserve and promote India’s cultural heritage while ensuring parallel economic and infrastructural development.
- Implement heritage conservation projects that also serve as catalysts for local economic growth.
- Promote tourism linked to cultural and historical heritage, creating jobs and preserving local crafts and traditions.
- Balance modern development needs with the preservation of historical sites and traditions.
- Encourage the participation of local communities in the preservation and promotion of their cultural heritage.
Modi ki Guarantee for Good Governance:
- BJP to ensure transparency and accountability in all government operations and services.
- Implement e-governance initiatives to streamline government processes and make them more citizen-centric.
- Strengthen the legal and regulatory framework to prevent corruption and promote fairness in public life.
- Enhance public participation in the governance process through consultative mechanisms.
- Promote efficiency and effectiveness in government services to ensure that they meet the needs of the citizens.
Modi ki Guarantee for Swastha Bharat (Healthy India):
- BJP to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
- Promote preventive healthcare measures and wellness programs to reduce the burden of disease.
- Implement national health missions focusing on eradicating communicable diseases and managing non-communicable diseases effectively.
- Strengthen the integration of traditional and modern medical practices to enhance health outcomes.
- Ensure the availability of quality healthcare professionals through education and training initiatives.
Modi ki Guarantee for Quality Education:
- Enhance the quality of education at all levels, focusing on skill development and employability.
- Promote digital education and e-learning to make education accessible to all sections of society.
- Implement national education policies that focus on holistic development and lifelong learning.
- Strengthen vocational training and higher education to meet the evolving needs of the economy.
- Ensure equitable access to education, especially for underprivileged and marginalised communities.
Modi ki Guarantee for Sports Development:
- BJP to promote sports at the grassroots level to nurture talent from a young age.
- Enhance infrastructure for sports, including the development of world-class stadiums and training facilities.
- Implement programs to identify and support talented athletes with the potential to excel at the national and international levels.
- Promote fitness and sports as integral parts of school and community life.
- Ensure adequate support and recognition for athletes representing India at various levels.
Modi ki Guarantee for Balanced Regional Development:
- BJP promises to implement policies to promote balanced development across all regions of India, reducing regional disparities.
- Enhance connectivity and infrastructure in underdeveloped regions to boost economic opportunities.
- Promote region-specific industries and tourism to leverage local strengths and resources.
- Implement social and economic welfare programs targeted at uplifting underdeveloped regions.
- Foster inclusive growth by ensuring that development benefits are equitably shared across different regions.
Modi ki Guarantee for Technology and Innovations:
- BJP will promote the development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies across various sectors of the economy.
- Enhance support for startups and businesses working on innovative solutions.
- Implement policies to foster a culture of innovation within academia and industry.
- Strengthen the intellectual property regime to protect and promote innovations.
- Ensure that technological advancements contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Modi ki Guarantee for Sustainable Bharat:
- BJP will promote environmental sustainability through policies that encourage the use of renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.
- Implement comprehensive waste management and recycling initiatives to promote a circular economy.
- Enhance water conservation efforts and promote sustainable water management practices.
- Promote sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security while preserving ecological balance.
- Implement policies to conserve biodiversity and protect India’s natural habitats and wildlife.
