The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its election manifesto, titled ‘Sankalp Patra,’ which pledges several significant initiatives, including the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and efforts to maintain peace in the Northeast region of India.
Released at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the manifesto underscores the party’s commitment to gender equality through the adoption of a Uniform Civil Code. The BJP reiterated Article 44 of the Constitution, which lists the UCC as one of the Directive Principles of State Policy, emphasizing that gender equality cannot be achieved without its implementation.
The Uniform Civil Code is envisioned as a comprehensive set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, transcending religious, gender, and caste barriers. Notably, Uttarakhand recently became the first state in India to implement the UCC earlier this year.
Additionally, the BJP manifesto outlines the party’s plans to foster peace in the Northeast region and phase out the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). The party aims to address issues in disturbed areas and resolve inter-state border disputes through sustained efforts.
Last year, violence erupted in Manipur, a Northeastern state, following protests by indigenous communities against demands by the main ethnic group for tribal status. The AFSPA Act grants the central government authority to deploy armed forces in disturbed areas upon the issuance of official notifications by state governors or administrators.
Furthermore, the BJP manifesto emphasizes leveraging the Northeast as a strategic gateway for India’s Act East Policy, focusing on connectivity, education, health, economic development, and security. The party pledges to construct reservoirs for flood management in the region, utilizing advanced satellite imagery to identify suitable locations.
Addressing concerns about transparency and integrity in public examinations, the BJP promises to enact laws to prevent paper leaks and ensure fair conduct of exams. The manifesto underscores the party’s commitment to youth empowerment, highlighting initiatives such as the India Olympics bid in 2036 and the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020.
The BJP’s manifesto committee, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, deliberated on its contents after extensive consultations, including gathering suggestions from over 1.5 million people, including through the NaMo app and video submissions.
With Lok Sabha polls scheduled from April 19 to June 1, 2024, across seven phases, the release of the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ marks a significant milestone in India’s electoral process, offering voters insights into the party’s vision and agenda for the nation’s future.
