The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its 2019 Election manifesto on Monday with much fanfare, but most of the latest promises were just repackaged from its 2014 manifesto, suggesting it had done nothing to achieve most of its goals.
Security:
In 2014, an entire section of the BJP manifesto was devoted to internal and external security.
2019: “We will firmly continue our policy of ‘Zero Tolerance’ against terrorism and extremism and will continue to follow our policy of giving a free hand to our security forces in combating terrorism.”
However, the numbers released by the government says otherwise as there has been 176% rise in terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. There is a 93% rise in security personnel dying in terrorist attacks in the state. In 2018, 91 security personnel were killed in terrorist attacks in the state compared to 47 in 2014.
Agriculture:
2014: “Agriculture is the engine of India’s economic growth and the largest employer, and BJP commits highest priority to agricultural growth, increase in farmer’s income and rural development.”
2019: ‘Prime Minister Modi embarked on a mission to double farmers’ income. We will make all efforts to achieve this goal by 2022.’
However, the manifesto falls short of presenting a plan as to how this can be achieved. Meanwhile, in their five years at the Centre, BJP has wreaked more havoc on the rural sector with reports indicating India’s farming output may have grown by just 2.7 percent year-on-year in October-December 2018 (lowest in 11 quarters) while nominal growth was 2.04 percent, the lowest growth since 2004.
The last five years also saw several protests by farmers’ groups across India and the Modi government’s policies such as the Fasal Bima Yojana have been condemned as pro-capitalists and anti-farmer.
Also Read: Rs 11 Crore a Day: What Modi’s Crop Insurance Scheme Earns Private Companies, Reveals RTI
Poverty:
2014: “Extreme Poverty and malnutrition will be treated as a National priority, and will be addressed on Mission Mode.”
In the 2019 manifesto poverty, comes up only in passing. Compared to 2014 when poverty received its own section, with four dedicated points, declaring the party will form a “Government of the poor, marginalized and left behind.”
Does this indicate the BJP believes poverty has been completely vanquished? The common people might feel otherwise. Senior journalist Javed Ansari pointed this out on Twitter.
BJP manifesto has nothing to say on poverty removal. It is strangely silent on the issue. Jobs get only passing mention as opposed to the 13 times it was mentioned in 2014.
— Javed M Ansari (@javedmansari) April 8, 2019
Employment:
2019: ‘We are commttied to focus on ‘Make in India in Defence’ to enable indigenous production of defence equipment. This will also generate employment and encourage investment in the defence sector.’
In 2014, under the big sub head employment BJP had promised to ‘Develop high impact domains like Labour-intensive Manufacturing and Tourism.’
In 2019, it only receives a passing mention under National Security and when North East or Women empowerment comes up. Moreover, speaking of indigenous production, the Rafale deal is not referred to at all.
Cleanup of Ganga:
2014: “BJP commits to ensure the cleanliness, purity and uninterrupted flow of the Ganga on priority. In addition, a massive ‘Clean Rivers Programme’ will be launched across the country driven by people’s participation.”
2019: “We are committed to ensure a clean and uninterrupted flow of river Ganga… We will ensure that the sewerage infrastructure to deal with 100% of the waste water from the Ganga towns is completed and is functioning effectively, and take steps to enhance the river flow.”
The Ganga water has further deteriorated with a significant rise in coliform bacteria and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) since the BJP’s flagship ‘Namami Gange’ project was lauched.
Article 370:
2014: “BJP reiterates its stand on the Article 370, and will discuss this with all stakeholders and remains committed to the abrogation of this article.”
2019: “We reiterate our position… to the abrogation of Article 370. We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents… We will make all efforts to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits…”
Despite having the power to bring about change with BJP stronghold in the Centre and the state, the party has not made any effort to discuss Article 370.
Former education director of Kashmir Shah Faesal also pointed out that promising a repeal of Article 370 amounts to contempt of court as the matter is subjudice before the Supreme Court.
https://twitter.com/shahfaesal/status/1115208574509121536
Kashmiri Pandits:
2014: “The return of Kashmiri Pandits to the land of their ancestors with full dignity, security and assured livelihood will figure high on the BJP’s agenda.”
2019: “We will make all efforts to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits and we will provide financial assistance for the resettlement of refugees from West Pakistan, Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Chhamb.”
Far from doing anything substantial to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits, the Centre has reportedly not taken any steps to record the crimes committed against them.
Also Read: Rural Distress, Unemployment: MGNREGA Jobs Demand at 8-year High in 2018-19
Ram Mandir:
2014: “BJP reiterates its stand to explore all possibilities within the framework of the constitution to facilitate the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.”
2019: “We reiterate our stand on Ram Mandir. We will explore all possibilities within the framework of the Constitution and all necessary efforts to facilitate the expeditious construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.”
The BJP has used their 2014 promise to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya, word for word in their latest manifesto, pointing out their own failure to appease their extreme right-wing allies.
The issue was raised in the apex court only at the very end of the BJP’s 5-year term, leading to an indefinite uncertainty over the volatile topic. The litigants are stuck with an ineffective negotiating team tasked with coming up with a peaceful solution that favours all sides.
YouTuber Dhruv Rathee pointed out the issue has been a constant in all BJP manifestos.
https://twitter.com/dhruv_rathee/status/1115155612046954497
Sabarimala Temple:
2019: “We will undertake every effort to ensure that the subject of faith, tradition…related to Sabarimala are presented… before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. We will endeavour to secure constitutional protection on issues related to faith and belief.”
Law journalist Murali Krishnan pointed out that the country’s Apex Court has already pronounced its judgment about the temple on September 2018. Review petitions were heard and the judgment was again reserved on February 6, 2019.
Supreme Court pronounced its judgment in Sabarimala case in Sept 2018. Review petitions were heard and judgment reserved on Feb 6, 2019.
So before which Supreme Court are they going to present issues on Sabarimala in a comprehensive manner?
Supreme Court of India?
— Murali Krishnan (@legaljournalist) April 8, 2019