BJP on Monday pledged to end policy paralysis, corruption and “tax terrorism” while opposing FDI in multi-brand retail but stuck to its core agenda of Ram Temple construction, Uniform Civil Code and abrogation of Article 370 that gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The 52-page document, released among others by its PM candidate Narendra Modi at the party headquarters in New Delhi, also pledged to provide good governance and inclusive development.
“BJP reiterates its stand to explore all possibilities within the framework of the Constitution to facilitate the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya,” the manifesto, delayed by a fortnight, said.
Asked about the reported differences within the party over inclusion of the Ram Temple issue, Murli Manohar Joshi, Chairman of the manifesto committee, said “whatever is there is there in the manifesto. If you want to write something on the basis of your own perceptions, you are free to do”.
The release of the manifesto came on the opening day of the 9-phased Lok Sabha elections drawing criticism from rivals.
Highlights of the BJP manifesto 2014
– The party reiterates its stand to explore all possibilities within framework of Constitution to facilitate construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
– Reiterating its stand on Art 370 and discussing with all stakeholders for abrogation of the Article.
– Ensuring minimisation of black money and setting up of a task force for this purpose.
– Putting in place strict measures and special courts to stop hoarding and black marketing.
– Setting up a Price Stabilisation Fund.
– Unbundling FCI operations into procurement, storage and distribution for greater efficiency.
– Evolving a single National Agriculture Market.
– Promoting and support area specific crops and vegetables linked to food habits of the people.
– Developing high impact domains like labour intensive manufacturing, tourism, and strengthening traditional employment bases of agriculture and allied industry.
– Harnessing opportunities provided by the upgradation of infrastructure and housing.
– Encouraging and empowering youth for self employment and transforming employment exchanges into career centres.
– Eliminating corruption through public awareness, e-governance, rationalisation and simplification of tax regime.
– Harmonising Centre-state relations by evolving model of national development driven by the states.
– Setting up a Team India initiative which will include the PM and CMs as equal partners.
– Ensure fiscal autonomy of states and creation of regional councils of states of common problems and concerns.
– National Development Council and Inter-state Council will be revived and made into active body.
– Involving state governments in promotion of foreign trade and commerce.
– Greater decentralisation through smaller states.
– Special emphasis on improving connectivity in Northeast region.
– Massive infrastructure development in NE region.
– Complete all pending fencing work along the India-Bangladesh and India-Myanmar border.
– Dealing with insurgency with a firm hand.