New Delhi, Apr 7 (PTI): Contentious issues like construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, abrogation of Art 370 giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir and enactment of Uniform Civil Code have been included in the BJP's election manifesto with the party making promises on them.
The 52-page document, released among others by its PM candidate Narendra Modi at the party headquarters here, also pledged to provide good governance and inclusive development.
"BJP reiterates its stand to explore all possibilities within the framework of the Constitution to facilitate the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya," the manifesto, delayed by a fortnight, said.
Asked about the reported differences within the party over inclusion of the Ram Temple issue, Murli Manohar Joshi, Chairman of the manifesto committee, said "whatever is there is there in the manifesto. If you want to write something on the basis of your own perceptions, you are free to do".
The release of the manifesto came on the opening day of the 9-phased Lok Sabha elections drawing criticism from rivals.
There was speculation that Modi had reservations over the document drafted by Joshi and that the pet themes of Sangh Parivar may not figure in it in view of Modi's stress on development in the current campaign.
Asked if the party was trying to confuse voters by including Ram Temple and whether this could be called raking up Hindutva, Joshi said, "this has nothing to do with Hindutva or athva (otherwise). This is only a promise of development programme."
He said Hindutva has never been an election issue and added the manifesto was based on issues of development and governance.
"We have put it in the section on "Cultural Heritage". What is culturally important for us we have said," Joshi said referring to the promise on Ram Temple. He added the issue had been included in the previous election manifesto too and the party's stand remained unchanged.
On Uniform Civil Code, the manifesto said Art 44 of the Constitution lists Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as one of the directive principles of the state policy.
"BJP believes that there cannot be gender equality till such time India adopts a UCC which protects the rights of all women and the BJP reiterates its stand to draft a UCC drawing upon the best traditions and harmonising them with modern times," said the document.
Dealing with Art 370 in the chapter on Jammu and Kashmir, the manifesto said "the BJP reiterates its stand on the Constitution provision and will discuss this with all stakeholders and remains committed to the abrogation of this article."
Return of the Kashmiri Pandits to the land of their ancestors with full dignity, security and assured livelihood will figure high on the BJP's agenda, it said.
In the "Cultural Heritage" section, the manifesto says that Ram Setu is part of our cultural heritage and also of strategic importance due to its vast thorium deposits.
These facts will be taken into consideration while taking any decision on Sethusamudram channel project."
Terming the period of UPA I and II as "the decade of decay", the manifesto said India had a "free fall" on all fronts, including governance, economy, diplomacy, foreign policy, border safety, etc.
At the same time, corruption, scams and crime against women have been reached "unacceptable" level. There has been a gross misuse of government and institutions. There has also been erosion of authority of the office of prime minister.
"The government dithered by each passing day casting gloom and doom on the country that was once under the NDA regime called the emerging superpower.
Critical and urgent challenges facing the nation have been left unaddressed.
"Beyond impacting the immediate short term, this is corroding the long term potential of the nation. People feel frustrated and have lost hope in the system. Things must change and they must change now. BJP will take immediate and decisive action to address these issues on a priority basis," it said.
Bullet trains, 100 new cities, industrial corridors
BJP today promised to introduce high-speed bullet trains, build 100 new modern cities and expedite freight and industrial corridors to improve the country's infrastructure and create employment.
In its election manifesto, the party said if elected the government will launch diamond quadrilateral project of high speed train network (bullet train).
"Work on the Freight Corridors and attendant Industrial Corridors will be expedited.
This will result in the faster movement of people and goods. PPP would be encouraged to tap into private sector resources as well as expertise," the manifesto said.
It said that its government will look at urbanisation as an opportunity rather than a threat and steps would be undertaken in transport and housing for 'Urban Upliftment' in India.
"We will initiate building 100 new cities; enabled with the latest in technology and infrastructure - adhering to concepts like sustainability, walk to work, etc, and focused on specialised domains. The approach to urban development will be based on integrated habitat development - building on concepts like Twin cities and Satellite towns," it said.
To enhance Internet penetration, the party said Wi-Fi facilities will be made available in public places and commercial centres.
The manifesto also emphasised on the need to build infrastructure in a futuristic way.
"Growth of this sector means the growth of cement, steel, electricity and many other associated industries and directly leads to massive job creation... We shall modernise existing and operational airports, and build new ones," it added.
For next generation infrastructure, "we will set up Gas Grids to make gas available to households and industry and set up a National Optical-Fibre Network up to the village level".
It also promised to launch an Integrated Public transport project and develop national logistics network for faster movement of goods.
No to FDI in retail
Giving high priority to revival of growth and job creation, BJP today promised to contain inflation, pursue tax reforms and promote foreign investments but said no to FDI in multi-brand retail.
Released here by top BJP leadership, the party's election manifesto accused the Congress-led UPA government of unleashing 'tax terrorism and uncertainty' and engendering 10 years of jobless growth.
The BJP promised to set up a Price Stabilisation Fund to check inflation, ensure fiscal discipline and pursue banking sector reforms to deal with the problem of rising bad loans.
"The country has been dragged through 10 years of jobless growth by the Congress-led UPA Government. Under the broader economic revival, BJP will accord high priority to job creation and opportunities for entrepreneurship," it said while unveiling the road map for the future.
With regard to the agriculture sector, the manifesto promises to create a single 'National Agriculture Market' and increase public investment in the farm sector.
Referring to taxation, it said, "the UPA government Government has unleashed 'Tax terrorism' and 'uncertainty', which not only creates anxiety amongst the business class and negatively impacts the investment climate, but also dents the image of the country."
Promising tax reforms, BJP said its tax policy roadmap include focus on a non-adversarial and conducive tax environment, overhaul of the dispute resolution mechanisms, bringing on board all state governments in adopting GST (Goods and Services Tax) and provision for tax incentives to promote investment.
The manifesto said a BJP led government at the centre will unbundle FCI (Food Corporation of India) operations into procurement, storage and distribution segments for greater efficiency.
It also promised to promote and support area specific crops and vegetables linked to food habits of the people.
On promotion of industry, BJP said: "We should no longer remain a market for the global industry. Rather, we should become a Global Manufacturing Hub".
It said India will have to encourage the domestic industry to innovate and collaborate internationally.
Talking about "economic freedom", the manifesto said Government will not get in the way of the freedom of individuals to start and operate legitimate businesses.
"Increased economic freedom will break open the economic space to new entrants, especially in the form of small and medium-enterprises, creating jobs and prosperity," it said while stressing on cutting red tape and simplifying procedures to do business.
Referring to the manufacturing sector, BJP said it will take "all steps" like faster approvals, investment in logistics infrastructure, ensuring power supply and undertaking labour reforms, besides other steps to create a conducive environment for investors.
The manifesto also promised that the government will initiate building 100 new cities enabled with the latest in technology and infrastructure - adhering to concepts like sustainability, walk to work, and focus on specialised domains.
On skill development, BJP said a 'National Multi-skill Mission' will be launched and vocational training on a massive scale will be promoted.