Modi’s charisma in BJP’s manifesto silences real issues but Congress taps it
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As the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are right ahead, the political parties are out in public with their manifestos promising what they could offer for the country. While the Congress and its INDIA allies are deeply connecting to people’s issues, the BJP has been criticized for being short of a concrete vision for the future and an action plan, instead featuring colourful and splendid solo photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Congress tapped into real issues like unemployment, inflation, and rising fuel prices as key concerns that directly affect the common man, while the BJP reportedly relied on the faith of the people, implying that fulfilling promises directly linked to religious beliefs during its last ten years as achievements.
The Congress, buoyed by what they describe as a concrete 25-point program aimed at improving the lives of farmers, workers, women, and youth, has taken aim at the BJP's manifesto, accusing it of relying too heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma rather than providing detailed plans for the future.
In a statement, Congress spokespersons slammed the BJP for what they perceive as vague promises and a lack of specificity in their vision and action plan. They highlighted the BJP's failure to fulfil previous promises made in 2014, such as bringing back black money, creating two crore jobs annually, and doubling farmers' income by 2022.
The BJP's manifesto unveiled amidst much fanfare, has come under intense scrutiny from the Congress, who accuse the ruling party of failing to address crucial issues such as inflation and unemployment.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for omitting key issues like inflation and unemployment from their manifesto, stating that inflation and unemployment are conspicuously absent from Modi's speeches and the BJP's manifesto.
Furthermore, the Congress has questioned the BJP's claim of economic progress, pointing to rising fuel prices and inflation as evidence of the government's failure to address core economic concerns.
The BJP's manifesto, which highlights achievements such as the distribution of free rations to over 80 crore citizens since 2020 and the provision of free health insurance to over 34 crore citizens under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, has been dismissed by the Congress as a collection of vague promises lacking in substance.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge lambasted the BJP's manifesto, accusing the ruling party of recycling hollow rhetoric without being held accountable for unfulfilled promises from previous years. Kharge questioned the BJP's track record on job creation, doubling farmers' income, and other key issues, accusing them of failing to deliver on their commitments.
The Congress has also raised concerns about the BJP's handling of national security issues, pointing to major terror attacks during their tenure, including incidents in Pathankot, Pulwama, and Uri. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate criticized the BJP for claiming "zero major terror attacks in any city since 2014," arguing that attacks on military installations and security personnel cannot be ignored or downplayed.
In response to the BJP's manifesto, which touts initiatives such as the Ujjwala Yojana and the abolition of triple talaq as steps to empower women, the Congress has promised a law for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers and financial support for poor women.
The BJP's manifesto has also been criticized for its casual drafting process, with the Congress highlighting the rushed nature of its preparation compared to its own manifesto, which was developed after extensive consultation with the public.
As the election campaign heats up, the battle between the BJP and the Congress over manifestos is likely to intensify, with both parties vying for the support of voters by presenting contrasting visions for the future of the country.
While the BJP relies on Modi's charisma and past achievements, the Congress is banking on its detailed plans and promises for economic and social reform.
