Lok Sabha election 2024: BJP’s second meet on manifesto likely on April 4

The BJP’s recently established Election Manifesto Committee is anticipated to convene its second meeting on April 4, according to insider sources. The party is reportedly considering titling its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled in seven phases, as ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’, reflecting the Prime Minister’s campaign focus.

Sources suggest that the BJP might include significant pledges for farmers in its manifesto, addressing issues such as minimum support price, loan write-offs, and withdrawal of police cases against protesting farmers. There’s speculation that the party could announce an increase in financial aid to farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

The inaugural meeting of the BJP’s manifesto committee, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, took place on Monday, focusing on public feedback and suggestions. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, the co-convener, emphasized the party’s thorough approach in drafting its manifesto, ensuring all pertinent issues are addressed.

Goyal highlighted the committee’s discussions on various topics, including the vision for ‘India@2047’ and the party and government’s outlines, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third-term resolution letter.

With the formulation of the manifesto committee, the BJP has initiated the preparatory process for the upcoming elections, aiming to present a roadmap for a developed India. The committee, comprising 27 members and led by Rajnath Singh, includes 11 ministers and four chief ministers from BJP-governed states.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been appointed as the convener, while Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal serves as the co-convener. Additionally, the manifesto committee features representation from minority communities, including Sikhs, Muslims, and Christians.

Earlier, the BJP announced the formation of the Election Manifesto Committee for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The elections, comprising 543 seats, will be held in seven phases starting April 19, with vote counting scheduled for June 4.

In the 2014 elections, the BJP secured 282 seats, while the Indian National Congress managed to win only 44 seats. Similarly, in the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 303 seats, while the Indian National Congress could only secure 52 seats.