Opinion | Sankalp Patra makes tall promises, but for BJP, it’s Modi who’s the real promise

The release of the BJP manifesto makes for very interesting reading. Coming as it does after the release of the Congress’ manifesto, there are bound to be comparisons between the two sets of promises to the Indian voter. Ever since this election campaign began, I have maintained that this is about two alternative narratives, which aim to capture the imagination of the voter. The BJP narrative is rooted in a specific ‘Idea of India’, in its faith in a leadership, a particular brand of nationalism and sense of patriotism. On the other hand, the Congress and its allies (including the state-based parties) have offered an alternative narrative that seeks to focus on welfare and well-being and an audit of the five years of the BJP in power.

The new slogans of the two camps exemplify this competition—the BJP asserts with ‘Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar’ (once again, a Modi government), while the Congress campaign resonates with ‘Ab Hoga Nyay’ (now we will secure justice). The BJP has characterized its manifesto as a Sankalp Patra (resolution document) and has all the attractive phrases, analogies and contextual references that it has now come to be associated with. It speaks of 75 promises to coincide with the 75 years of Independence, which will be commemorated half way down the term of the new government.

The home minister, who is also the chairman of the manifesto committee, characterizes the document as mirroring ‘Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat’, or the aspirations of the Indian people.

High on rhetoric and replete with catchy slogans and headlines, the Sankalp Patra is divided into 15 sections. While offering a mixed bag, it caters to its key ideological moorings, even as it seeks to address contemporary challenges and has a strong dose of populist elements as well. While it talks of the three pet themes of the BJP -- Uniform Civil Code, abolition of Article 370 (as well as Article 35A) and building of the Ram mandir (within the framework of the Constitution) -- it also addresses a range of contemporary challenges.

As part of its promise to double farmers’ incomes, the manifesto makes a slew of assurances to the agriculture sector, including a commitment to invest ₹25 trillion to enhance agricultural productivity, and guarantee of short-term agricultural loans. However, there is no clear road map on the plan for such investment. As part of its Nation First commitment, the party pledges its support to the Citizenship Amendment Bill and the protection of the socio-cultural identities of the people of the North East. Making security, stability and a sense of national pride, as the corner stone of its Nation First commitment, it asserts zero tolerance towards terrorism, and a free hand to a well-equipped armed forces to exterminate forces of terrorism.

Foreign Policy figures very prominently in the manifesto and is linked to the party’s wider ideological commitment. The parties and its leadership’s proposal of a ‘One Nation, One Election’ is once again reiterated in the manifesto document, as part of ushering in good governance.

A range of assurances are held out to the business community and the middle class as part of its road map for strengthening India as the World’s third largest economy. Yet, there is very little reflection on the promises made in 2014 and the efforts to realize them.

The health and education sectors receive due attention, as do the youth and the women. A range of promises that were part of its previous manifestoes find a pride of place once again.

The release of the manifesto a few days prior to the first phase of polling clearly indicates that the party leadership does not see the Sankalp Patra as a key element of its election campaign. The campaign clearly revolves around the personality of the Prime Minister, a robust enunciation of the government’s efforts at countering terror and launching a frontal attack on the principal Opposition—the Congress party and its leadership. The manifesto, in that sense, becomes a supplementary document— belated after-thought, which may find a mere passing reference in the speeches of leaders during the election campaign.

The manifestoes of both the BJP and the Congress make a mountain of promises. At the end of the day, elections and victories are not merely about assurances held out, but the trust that people place in the intentions, sincerity and past experience with political leaders. When the results start trickling in, we will know who has won this battle of perception.

The author is pro vice chancellor of Jain University and National Coordinator of Lokniti Network