BJP manifesto 2019: With the Congress manifesto putting major thrust on welfare measures, the BJP is likely to announce a slew of promises to woo different sections of the society, especially farmers, youth and women.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Amit Shah, will shortly release the ruling BJP's manifesto for the national election starting Thursday. Sources say the "sankalp patra" or document of promises has been crafted on the theme of a "Kaam Karne Waali Sarkar (a government that acts)".
The BJP is likely to announce a jobs guarantee scheme on the lines of MNREGA introduced by the previous Congress-led government. It also promises housing for all by 2020 and the doubling of farmers' income by next year.
In 2014, the BJP had released its manifesto on the first day of the nine-phase polls but this time the Election Commission has put a 48-hour gag order as part of the model code and it applies to each of the seven phases over the next six weeks.
On Sunday, in a build up towards the manifesto launch, the BJP showcased its campaign sloganPhir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar, (Modi government, once again), at the party headquarters in Delhi.
"The first theme of the campaign will be 'Kaam Karne Wali Sarkar'. Also, we formed a government in 2014 - an era of corruption, and ran an honest government. This is why the second theme is Imaandar Sarkaar. The third theme of the campaign will be Bade Faisle Lene Waali Sarkaar, since this government has taken the tough decisions which include development and national security," Union Minister Arun Jaitley said after launching the campaign slogan.
With the Congress manifesto emphasizing on welfare measures, including the NYAY plan that promises Rs. 72,000 to the poorest in India, the BJP is likely to announce a plan for farmers, youth and women.
Terrorism and security-related issues have also been the focus of the party's poll campaign since Pulwama attack and the retaliatory Balakot strike across the Line of Control.
Last week, PM Modi had said while campaigning in Bihar that he needs another term to fulfill his promises. "I don't claim to have finished all the work. When they (Congress) cannot say so in 70 years, how can I make that claim in just five years?" said the Prime Minister, who, ahead of the 2014 elections, had sought 60 months to equal Congress achievements of 60 years.