Opposition parties strongly criticized the BJP regarding its Lok Sabha manifesto, asserting that it amounted to a 'jumla patra' (a document filled with empty promises) and was devoid of any acknowledgment of the pressing issues of inflation and unemployment.Â
On Sunday, opposition parties launched a scathing attack on the BJP, condemning the promises outlined in its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as being "fraught with falsehoods" and lacking in credibility. They further accused the saffron party of glaring omissions, particularly regarding the critical issues of unemployment and inflation, within the manifesto.
The BJP's manifesto places particular emphasis on addressing the concerns of marginalized communities, including the poor, youth, farmers, and women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the manifesto, highlighting commitments such as the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the proposal for simultaneous elections (One Nation, One Election).
In response, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pointed out the absence of any mention of inflation and unemployment in the BJP's manifesto, emphasizing the party's apparent disregard for these crucial issues affecting the populace.
"The BJP seems unwilling to engage in discussions on the paramount issues affecting people's lives. India's agenda is crystal clear - ensuring the creation of 30 lakh job positions and providing permanent employment with a salary of Rs 1 lakh to every educated youth," he conveyed in a Hindi tweet.
"This time, the youth will not be swayed by PM Modi's rhetoric. They will instead bolster the Congress's efforts and usher in an 'employment revolution' in the nation," he asserted.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lambasted the BJP's manifesto as a "sham," alleging that their true agenda was encapsulated in the 'Samvidhaan Badlo Patra' (Constitution-alteration manifesto).
"Let's not forget, that the BJP initiates all these schemes detrimental to the country, society, and democracy from the grassroots level. Initially, the top leadership takes oaths on the Constitution before the public, but under the cover of night, they conspire to dismantle it. Subsequently, upon gaining absolute power, they launch attacks on the Constitution," she accused.
She reiterated that Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution embodied the essence of India and urged all opposition parties to unite against the BJP to preserve it.
"Today, it is imperative for all of us to join forces and oppose the BJP's 'Constitution Change Mission,' affirming unequivocally that the country will be governed by the Constitution, and together, we will thwart the intentions of those seeking to alter it," she emphasized in Hindi on X platform.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized PM Modi, accusing him of failing to undertake initiatives that would benefit all segments of society. He also expressed skepticism regarding the BJP's manifesto, highlighting the party's track record of unfulfilled promises.
"He (PM Narendra Modi) had pledged to double farmers' income and ensure a legal guarantee for increasing MSP, but these remain unfulfilled promises. Throughout his tenure, he has failed to implement any significant measures that would benefit the entire populace," he remarked.
Congress leader Pawan Khera voiced strong objection to the title of the BJP's manifesto, 'Sankalp Patra,' suggesting that it should instead be named 'maafinama' (apology document).
"Modi ji should have extended apologies to the Dalits, farmers, youth, and tribals of the country," he contended.
Khera accused the saffron party's manifesto of being replete with new 'jumlas' (empty rhetoric) and lacking in reliability.
"None of the preceding governments exhibited such a penchant for constantly shifting the goalposts. The promises made in 2014 were conveniently forgotten by 2019, only to be replaced by fresh 'jumlas' and new objectives. Now, in 2024, they are already talking about events set for 2047," he criticized.
"They have even mentioned hosting the 2036 Olympics in their manifesto. Where will they be then? Will they still be in power? Instead of focusing on the future, they should be held accountable for their actions over the past five years. They lie so blatantly that they have lost the trust of the people," he lamented.
"The youth are desperate for employment opportunities, while inflation continues to soar. However, PM Modi remains indifferent to these pressing issues. In his tenure of 10 years, he has done little to alleviate the plight of the poor. Relying on his manifesto is futile, as it demonstrates his lack of substantive solutions," he concluded.
Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi echoed similar sentiments, denouncing the BJP's manifesto as a 'jumla patra' and criticizing its scant attention to inflation and unemployment.
"People are grappling with unemployment, while the prices of essential commodities, such as LPG cylinders and diesel, have skyrocketed. Every household is struggling to make ends meet. The 'jumla patra' released by the BJP today will find no takers," she asserted.
Congress leader Manish Tewari rebuked the BJP for its failure to address inflation in its manifesto.
"What the people truly want to know is why the common man is burdened by inflation. They want answers regarding the MNREGA budget, which has surged from Rs 33,000 crore to nearly Rs 90,000 crore over the past decade, indicative of rural distress," he highlighted.
"There are genuine issues plaguing the populace. The discontent on the ground will inevitably translate into an electoral defeat for the NDA and BJP," he predicted.
Earlier today, PM Modi unveiled the BJP's manifesto for the impending Lok Sabha elections at the party headquarters in Delhi. Titled 'Modi's Guarantee 2024,' the manifesto - also referred to as 'Sankalp Patra' - underscores initiatives aimed at empowering women, uplifting youth and the impoverished.
The manifesto is centered on GYAN - schemes targeting the 'Gareeb' (poor), 'Yuva' (youth), 'Annadaata' (farmers), and 'Nari' (women). It also prioritizes initiatives geared towards fostering India's prosperity, bolstering international relations, and preserving the nation's heritage, among others.
