The BJP has released its ‘Sankalp Patra’or manifesto for 2019 general elections. It has called it “sankalp” because it is determined to achieve all this for the country. Meanwhile, the Congress released its manifesto a few days ago. Here I attempt to quickly break it down for you and compare promises vs sankalp.

Let us see how both the documents compare on the top three issues:

A quick glance through the Congress's manifesto seems like a far-Left NGO’s charter. Think about it. India’s oldest political party says this: “Amend the Armed Forces (Special Powers)  Act, 1958 in order to strike a balance between  the powers of security forces and the human rights of citizens and to remove immunity for enforced disappearance, sexual violence and torture.”

Also read: BJP manifesto nationalistic, futuristic, economically viable: A MyNation perspective

It reads as if our army, without any repercussion, indulges in torture and sexual violence and it needs to be made into a poll issue. This must be music to some ears, I have no doubts about who’s. Meanwhile, the BJP manifesto clearly talks about goals to strengthen the armed forces. 

One more stark difference is that the BJP promises to implement very specific, quantifiable and time-bound targets. For example: Houses for all by 2022. Meanwhile, the Congress manifesto is rhetorical with no clear time limit or actionable item.

Another example: Congress says, “Decentralise the police force in the state and to involve the community in the oversight of the police force.” Who will be part of the “community”? These are Leftist ideas the grand old party is espousing. 

The BJP in its manifesto promises to remove Article 370 and 35A and they also highlight what steps were taken during the last five years whereas the Congress promises has this to say about Jammu and Kashmir.

“Congress has stood witness to the developments in Jammu and Kashmir since the Instrument of Accession signed on October 26, 1947. Congress affirms that the whole of J&K is part of India. We also acknowledge the unique history of the state and the unique circumstances under which the state acceded to India that led to the inclusion of Article 370 in the Constitution of India. Nothing will be done or allowed to change the Constitutional position.”

The BJP is promising a complete integration of all states. The Congress appears to have borrowed lines from the Communist Party manifesto.

Overall, the BJP scores very high on to promising things that are real, practical, based on track record, necessary, reasonable and in the interest of the nation both in the short and long term. But the Congress manifesto is full of empty words with no ability to deliver, no clear timelines or vision. It has things that can never be acceptable to a sane Indian and dangerous to the nation’s integrity.

P.S.: I have already dissected the NYAY Scheme separately hence haven’t included it here. You may read my article here.