BJP releases election manifesto 'Sankalp Patra' for Lok Sabha polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its election manifesto, the 'Sankalp Patra,' for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Delhi on Sunday. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party President JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Ahead of the release, Nadda said, "Today is the birth anniversary of...Dr. BR Ambedkar, we pay tribute to him. We all know that he fought for social justice."
'Sankalp Patra' emphasizes cultural nationalism, development
The BJP's manifesto, themed "Modi's Guarantee: Developed India 2047," underscores cultural nationalism. It outlines the party's commitment toward a prosperous India, with a focus on development, women, youth, the poor and farmers. The BJP has pledged to only make promises that are achievable. A committee led by Defense Minister Singh was formed to discuss the contents of this manifesto.
Free ration scheme will continue for the next 5 years
Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said the free ration scheme will continue for the next five years, and the transgender community will also be brought under the ambit of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. "In past years, MUDRA Yojana has turned crores...into entrepreneurs...Looking at this success, the BJP has taken one more 'sankalp' - under MUDRA Yojana loans up to ₹10 lakh were provided. Now, the BJP has decided to increase the limit to ₹20 lakh," he added.
Free electricity and healthcare
He also said the BJP will work toward reducing the electricity bills of crores of families under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme. The Modi government launched the initiative with the goal of offering free electricity to households that choose to install rooftop solar electricity units. Under the initiative, homeowners would be able to receive 300 units of power for free every month. Furthermore, individuals over 75 years old will be brought under the purview of Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
2024 Lok Sabha elections: Key dates and details
The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place from April 19 to June 1, 2024. These elections aim to elect 543 representatives for the 18th Lok Sabha and will be conducted in seven phases. The results will be announced on June 4. Nearly 970 million individuals are eligible to vote in these elections out of India's total population of 1.44 billion.
Concurrent elections and opposition's manifesto
Alongside the general election, legislative assembly elections will be held in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. By-elections for 35 seats across 16 states are also scheduled during this period. The Congress party has already launched its manifesto, the "Nyay Patra," promising an annual financial aid of ₹1,00,000 to the poorest women in families among other pledges.
