Narendra Modi govt vows goodies galore for all in Haryana polls

The reform oriented Bharatiya Janata Party-led (BJP) Narendra Modi’s NDA government has turned to populism for state level polls keeping in mind the reverses it saw in the recently concluded bypolls. So, for Haryana Assembly elections, the party is not only promising foodgrain at Re 1 per kg for BPL families and free treatment to the poor but is also wooing a large youth vote bank by promising stipend for unemployed and also targeting the elderly with higher pension. All this, with an eye to come to power in the state on its own for the first time.

Key takeaways:

* Foodgrain at Re 1 per kg for BPL families

* Rs 6000/9000 per month stipend for unemployed youth

* Free treatment and medicines for poor in hospitals

* Hike in old age and widow pension to Rs 2,000 per month.

* Stricter law against cow slaughter

* GDP growth of 10% over next 5 years

The BJP, which released its election manifesto for the state poll last week, has also played the Hidutva card promising stricter laws against cow slaughter where the crime would be treated at par with culpable homicide. The main moving factor to woo voters, however, remains the charismatic Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So , the punchline of the manifesto reads: “BJP ke saath chaliyein, Narendra Modi ke saath chaliyein”. (Come with BJP, come with Narendra Modi).

What is interesting is that the BJP has tried to cater to all constituencies to widen its appeal in the state. So, it has tried to woo elderly by promising free pilgrimage facility to every senior citizen of the state, hike in old age and widow pension from present Rs 1,000 to 2,000. For youth, the manifesto said in lieu of 100 hours of work, Class 12 pass unemployed youths will be given Rs 6,000 stipend per month while graduate unemployed will get Rs 9,000 per month. Besides, free treatment has been promised for poor in hospitals and free medicines will be made available to them.

While largely being a populist manifesto, the BJP has tried not to dilute its reformist credentials completely and therefore has outlined an economic agenda of bringing the GDP growth in the state to 10% over the next five years. The party has also said that it will four-lane the national and the state highways and provide round-the-clock power supply and clean drinking water facilities to various categories of consumers.

The 16 page manifesto has laid focus on agriculture, rural development, industry, education, service sector, welfare of youth and women, welfare of Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes. Security for women has also featured prominently in the manifesto with the party promising free travel for school and college girls in roadways buses which will also have security guards on board.