New Delhi: In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the Congress party has maintained a critical stance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its 48-page election manifesto, mentioning BJP/NDA at least 38 out of 55 times. In contrast, the BJP manifesto does not mention the Congress even once. Political analyst and Delhi University professor, Apoorvanand, described this as ‘natural,’ noting that as the opposition party, Congress must refer to the ruling BJP. He explained that it is the opposition’s duty to analyze the ruling party’s performance and inform the people about its shortcomings since they aim to replace the ruling party.
Apoorvanand commented that the Congress manifesto provides better clarity compared to the BJP’s, which he described as focusing on “big claims.” According to a Kotak Institutional Equities report, the BJP manifesto emphasizes the continuation of existing policies, making India a global manufacturing hub, and providing adequate social support for the needy.
Regarding the Congress manifesto, Apoorvanand highlighted its proposals for job creation through a new economic policy, government-led employment, a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), cash transfers, education loan waivers, and increased reservations for marginalized communities.
The BJP manifesto highlights its achievements during its past two terms from 2014-24, while the Congress manifesto points out deficiencies in the past 10 years and its accomplishments during its two terms from 2004-14.
Congress Manifesto:
Termed ‘Nyay Patra,’ the Congress manifesto criticizes the BJP/NDA government for policies promoting economic instability, job losses, and crimes against women. It focuses on job creation through private sector facilitation, reservation in the government sector, 50% reservation of central government jobs for women, one-third reservation for women in state assemblies and Lok Sabha, constitutional amendments to raise the 50% cap on reservations for SC, ST, and OBC, and a larger government role in economic and social areas.
The Nyay Patra criticizes the BJP’s past ten years, describing them as marked by exaggeration and publicity rather than substance and performance. The Congress promises greater freedom, faster growth, more equitable development, and justice for all.
BJP Manifesto:
The BJP manifesto highlights economic achievements such as growth and progress in infrastructure development, manufacturing, and social welfare programs over the past 10 years. Titled ‘Modi Ki Guarantee 2024’ or ‘Sankalp Patra,’ it reflects a unique model of inclusive growth.
The BJP promises, with “Modi’s guarantee,” to work tirelessly to fulfill people’s dreams and aspirations. It emphasizes the progress and development witnessed in the last 10 years under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership. The Sankalp Patra is presented to the 1.4 billion citizens of India, highlighting the nation’s strides in all sectors and ensuring the welfare of its citizens. The BJP manifesto covers women empowerment, the fishermen community, security issues, technology and innovation, education, health, and other sectors.
