Manifesto of the parties for lok sabha election
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BJP Manifesto 2019: How it differs from Congress manifesto
Both manifestos cover a range of issues that have been a burden to citizens including jobs, women safety and national security.
While Congress and BJP have competing and contrasting claims on most issues, it is in the cultural aspects of the manifestos that present a stark difference in ideology.
HIGHLIGHTS
Both BJP and Congress have targetted similar issues in their election manifestos
Despite similar issues, the two political parties have adopted different ideologies to achieve the goals
While BJP has prioritised national security, Congress party has concentrated more on restoring financial stability
With just three days to go for the first phase of voting in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the two biggest political parties of India -- Congress and BJP -- have released their manifestos.
Both manifestos cover a range of issues that have been a burden to citizens -- from jobs to women safety as well as national security and countering terrorism.
While the Congress manifesto, titled "Congress Will Deliver" was launched on April 2, the BJP manifesto titled "Sankalpit Bharat, Sashakt Bharat (Determined India, Empowered India) was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 8.
A cursory glance of the two manifestos indicates that the Congress manifesto is majorly focused on economic reforms while the BJP has prioritised national security.
Since these promises are what the two parties are seeking votes on, here's an issue by issue comparison of the Congress manifesto and the BJP manifesto.
National Security
Both Congress and BJP have kept national security as a top priority in their respective manifestos.
The BJP's security doctrine focuses on acting against terrorism and extremism while Congress has focused more on defence procurement.
For instance, the BJP mentioned in its manifesto that it will "firmly continue" their policy of giving a free hand to security forces to combat terrorism and about speeding up the purchases of outstanding defense-related equipment.
Meanwhile, the Congress party said it will "reverse the trend of declining defence spending" under the NDA government. It also promised to ensure that defence spending is increased to meet the requirements of the Armed forces.
"Congress promises to take strategic and hard measures to defend the territorial integrity of India and ensure the safety of our people."