Selling dream

Modi is offering a lollypop to the people

Modi unveils BJP manifesto for Gujarat polls

Says the manifesto is ‘inclusive, and for all’; Congress hits back citing Tehelka’s investigation on KG Basin gas field

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday released BJP’s election manifesto, ‘Sankalp Patra’ in Ahmedabad for the poll-bound state. “It is a blueprint which is extensive, inclusive and for development of all, including the poor, “declared Modi after unveiling the manifesto. The event was attended by several senior BJP leaders including Arun Jaitley, the leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha.

Pointing out that the manifesto ensures youth-led development and not just youth development, Modi said that he has taken special care regarding the neo middle class that has emerged in the state over the years. “Because of the developments in Gujarat in past 10 years, a neo middle class has emerged. We will bring out a new definition for them and ensure that they are included in government schemes,” he said.

Key features of the document included the ‘SAUNI Yojana,’ which will help waters of Narmadha reach Saurashtra region, and construction of 50 lakh cheap houses, a 3 percent subsidy on co-operative based agricultural loans and generation of more than 30 lakh jobs with a new portal on placements.

In the area of power generation and electricity, solar power was the key aspect that was dealt with. In addition to developing roof top solar generation, the BJP has promised to develop other unconventional energy sources such as wind energy. The manifesto also promised to double the state’s power generation in next five years.

Promising that an additional 16 lakh hectare area of land will be covered under the irrigation, the manifesto also guaranteed a Rs 40,000 crore project for the development of tribal farmers and constituting a Lake and Wetlands authority.

With a number of health packages providing health benefits to a wide variety of people, the manifesto also aims at constructing medical colleges at every major district including tribal regions.

Reacting to the manifesto, Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia said, “It’s a mockery of the citizens of Gujarat. In last 17 years, the government has stopped all the schemes for affordable housing. Not a single affordable house has been constructed during Modi’s tenure. He is offering a lollypop to the people after the Congress’ housing promise became popular.”

Meanwhile in New Delhi, Manish Tewari, the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, raised questions about the TEHELKA investigation about KG Basin gas field published recently. “Some very important questions arise out of this. Who is this GeoGlobal and why was it given 10 percent in a gas field valued by the government for $20 billion? Why was the five percent shares transferred to a Mauritius company...Why were the six crore people of Gujarat made to bear the exploration cost which should had been paid by the GeoGlobal…These are important questions and we would humbly like the CM of Gujarat to reply to these.” he said.