Which is more advantageous for the populace: the ‘Modi’s Guarantee’ advocated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, or the ‘Nyaya Patra’ proposed by the Congress party?
Hash#ag News April19,2024
In the electoral context, a manifesto serves as a written declaration by a political party outlining its intentions, objectives, and ideas. It acts as a medium through which parties communicate their vision to the public, with the language used reflecting the party’s values.
Recently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unveiled its manifesto titled ‘Sankalp-Patra’, while the main opposition party, Congress, released its manifesto named ‘Nyaya-Patra’. The approaches of these two parties differ significantly. While the BJP’s choice of ‘Sankalp Patra’ seems self-centered and narrowly focused, the Congress’s ‘Nyaya Patra’ appears oriented towards societal welfare just from its name. The BJP’s manifesto seems to center around one individual, Narendra Modi, with prominent emphasis on ‘Modi’s Guarantee’, while the Congress’s manifesto aims to draw attention to prevailing injustices in society.
The writing styles of the two manifestos also set them apart. The BJP’s manifesto prioritizes the individual over the party, prominently featuring Narendra Modi on the first page with a large picture and the phrase ‘Modi’s Guarantee’. This focus on one person suggests a reliance on Modi’s assurance, which raises concerns about democratic principles. Furthermore, the BJP’s manifesto appears to overshadow past commitments, instead presenting a new theme centered around ‘Modi’s Guarantee’.
This theme implies that without a credible leader like Narendra Modi, the party lacks substance, promoting the notion that if Modi endorses something, it is automatically accepted. However, this image is flawed, as Modi’s tenure has seen failures in addressing corruption, women’s issues, unemployment, inflation, economic decline, and other societal challenges. Despite claims of empowerment and guarantees for various groups, such as women and farmers, instances of neglect and inaction raise doubts about the effectiveness of ‘Modi’s Guarantee’.
Moreover, Modi’s focus on making India a top economic power overlooks the struggles faced by ordinary citizens, as highlighted by former RBI Governor D Subbarao. While India’s economic growth may elevate it to global rankings, the benefits do not necessarily trickle down to the common people, who continue to face poverty, unemployment, and unaffordable essential services like healthcare and education.
In conclusion, the contrasting approaches of ‘Modi’s Guarantee’ and ‘Nyaya Patra’ reflect divergent ideologies and priorities. While one places emphasis on an individual’s assurance, the other seeks to address societal injustices. The effectiveness and relevance of these guarantees ultimately depend on their ability to address the needs and concerns of the populace.
