BENGALURU: Implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) finds mention among the top promises of the ruling BJP in Karnataka in its election manifesto released here on Monday.
If BJP wins the polls and implements the UCC, it will be among the first states to do so besides Uttarakhand, which is also in the process to do the same. The party has promised to introduce the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Karnataka and ensure speedy deportation of illegal immigrants from Karnataka, besides creating ‘Karnataka State Wing against Religious Fundamentalism and Terror (K-SWIFT)’.
Three free gas cylinders for Ugadi, Ganesha Chathurti and Deepavali festivals have been promised. Besides, half-litre Nandini milk for each Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholder has been promised. This is aimed at countering the allegation of Congress and JDS against BJP of attempting to merge KMF with AMUL, as what was understood to be recently said by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The manifesto states that the UCC will be implemented “based on the recommendations of a high-level committee to be constituted for the purpose”.
BJP national president JP Nadda said, “The Constitution allows us to move in the direction of Uniform Civil Code. ‘Justice to all; appeasement to none’ is our policy.”
The BJP said it will launch ‘Onake Obavva Samajika Nyaya Nidhi’ through which it will provide a matching grant of up to Rs 10,000 on five-year fixed deposits made under the scheme for SC/ST women.
Manifesto aims at making K’taka most vibrant state: CM
It will set up ‘Karnataka Residents’ Welfare Consultative Committee’ to reform the Karnataka Apartment Ownership Act 1972 and modernise the grievance redressal mechanism.
Under the proposed Visvesvaraya Vidya Yojane, the party has promised to partner with eminent individuals and institutions for holistic upgradation of government schools.
The manifesto centres around six ‘A’s: Anna (food security), Akshara (quality education), Arogya (affordable health), Aadaya (assured income), Abhaya (social security) and Abhivruddhi (development). It has listed 103 promises. The manifesto lists ‘Samanvaya Yojane’ for collaboration between small and medium enterprises, and the industrial training institutes to generate a dynamic ecosystem of education and employment for talented young professionals. It broadens the scope of production linked incentive schemes to generate 10 lakh jobs.
Under Arogya, the party promises to launch ‘Mission Swasthya Karnataka’ by establishing one ‘Namma Clinic’ in each municipal ward. The party promises to allocate Rs 1,500 crore for tourism to develop Kalyana Circuit, Banavasi Circuit, Parashurama Circuit, Kaveri Circuit and Ganagapur Corridor.
CM Basavaraj Bommai said the manifesto aims to make Karnataka the most vibrant state. “PM Modi has set a target of achieving five trillion dollar economy. The IT/BT sector will be given importance. This is a pro-people manifesto and people will make note of the same and support BJP in the Assembly elections,” he added.
RACE TO SOUDHA
Days after the JDS released its manifesto, the ruling BJP has come out with its assurances to the people of Karnataka