From loan waivers to foreign trips: Decoding Karnataka's manifestos
In a bid to project its CM candidate Yeddyurappa as pro-farmer, the BJP in its manifesto has promised to allocate Rs. 1.5 lakh crore for waiving farmer loans, and irrigation projects. The move is significant, compared to Rs. 8,000 crore worth loans waived by incumbent CM Siddaramaiah. With both the parties posing as a savior, let's decode their manifestos for the rural Karnataka.
Trips to Israel and China, unique features of BJP's manifesto
Interestingly, according to BJP's manifesto, its program called "CM's Fellowship for Agriculture" will send 1,000 farmers to countries like Israel and China to study best agricultural practices. Further, Rs. 5,000 crore to "Raitha Bandhu Market Intervention Fund" as "safety net" to farmers has been promised. In addition, Rs. 3,000 crore has been promised to "Kamadhenu Fund" for animal husbandry and dairy development.
Ban on cow slaughter
BJP's Karnataka manifesto also proposes to reintroduce the "Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation Bill 2012" will be reintroduced. The bill was withdrawn by the Siddaramaiah government in 2014 even as BJP opposed the same in the Karnataka assembly.
Congress Manifesto: Vibrant agricultural and rural ecosystem
On the other hand, Congress manifesto talks about doubling farmers income and constituting a "Statutory Farmers Income Commission" to ensure basic livelihood to agri-laborers, farmers and agricultural households. Congress will also create a "Agricultural Corridor for Karnataka" that focuses on organic farming, reducing production cost, state-of-the-art food processing technology, etc. Rice and cotton research centres have also been promised along with "Millets Abhivrudhi Mandali."
Free sanitary napkins, laptops and smartphones
Though, both the parties claim to fight the election on development agenda, the manifestos prove otherwise, through unending freebies. Free smartphones to college students have been promised by Congress, while BJP proposed the same for women in BPL families. Congress has promised free laptops to students (classes 10-12), similarly BJP promised them for students entering colleges. Both the parties have promised free sanitary napkins to BPL women.
Gold for wedding: BJP and Congress make common promises
Both BJP and Congress have promised gold for weddings of poor. While Congress assured 3 gm gold "thaali" for all girls (BPL), BJP promised 3 gm gold + Rs. 25,000 for weddings in BPL families. Notably, Congress alleged that the BJP has copied its manifesto and its President Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "If you've read the Congress Manifesto, don't waste your time on this one."
