India election: Narendra Modi’s BJP promises to reserve one-third of seats for women in parliament
- ‘The BJP is committed to 33 per cent reservation in parliament and state assemblies through a constitutional amendment,’ the party said in its election manifesto
- The party also promised to inject over US$300 billion for rural development, introduce a pension scheme for small and marginal farmers, and simplify the GST
“Women’s welfare and development will be accorded a high priority at all levels within the government, and the BJP is committed to 33 per cent reservation in parliament and state assemblies through a constitutional amendment,” the party said in its manifesto.
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The party said it was committed to building a grand temple for Hindu god Rama “as soon as possible in a harmonious way” and pass a citizenship bill that would grant Indian nationality to Hindus from neighbouring countries.
Under fire from the opposition Congress party for not doing enough for India’s struggling farmers, the party said it would infuse more than US$300 billion for rural development.
It would also extend an annual handout of 6,000 rupees (US$86) and introduced a pension scheme for small and marginal farmers.
“Nationalism is our inspiration ... good governance is our mantra,” Modi, 68, said at the launch. “It (the manifesto) is multi-layered and multi-dimensional because our society is very diverse. We can’t have a one-size-fits-all kind of policy. It addresses the needs of all sections of society.”
The party also pledged to simplify the goods and services tax (GST) – which disrupted businesses and hurt economic growth when it was introduced by Modi’s government in 2017 – and to revise income tax brackets to help the middle-class if the party retained power.
