In the last Gujarat elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party released its manifesto just a day before the first phase of voting. And, the Congress delivered its best performance in the state in almost 30 years. This time, the BJP appears to be more cautious - publishing its manifesto a full four days before the first phase of voting.
Here's what has changed in the BJP's promises in 5 years.
Religion is now occupying a more significant place in the BJP's manifesto. In 2017, the party had promised to strictly enforce the law against cow slaughter. It also promised more representation to saints on temple boards, and aid to 'akhadas' during festivals. This time, the BJP is more ambitious, promising a Uniform Civil Code, and strict punishment for forced conversions. The party has also said that it will scrutinise assets of the Waqf Board, and conduct surveys on madrasa curriculum.
Regarding law and order, the BJP in 2017 said that it will strictly enforce the liquor ban in the state. This time, the party has said that it will set up an anti-radicalisation cell to identify and eliminate terrorists. It will also promulgate a new law to make rioters and violent protestors pay for damaging public and private property.
Inflation and unemployment are big issues in this election. Last time, the BJP had said that if it wins, it will make Gujarat's economy grow at 10% every year. Regarding employment, the party had promised a new policy for the semi-conductor, and telecom industries. It also promised cheap loans to small and medium enterprises.
This time, the BJP has said that it will make Gujarat's economy touch the $1 trillion mark. It is also promising 20 lakh new jobs over 5 years, and getting ₹5 lakh crore foreign investment. BJP says it will make Gujarat a defence and aviation hub.
Before employment, comes education. In 2017, the BJP said that it would set up new international-standard universities, and provide free higher education to girls. It also promised scholarships to students from poor families. This year, the party is saying it will make education of girls free from KG to PG, i.e. kindergarten to post-graduation. BJP has said it will give electric scooters to meritorious women in colleges, help poor students, and set up Gujarat Institutes of Technology, along the lines of IITs.
On healthcare, the BJP in 2017 said that it would eliminate vector-borne diseases like dengue in 5 years. It also promised more shops selling generic medicines, and more mobile clinics. This time, the BJP has said that it will double medical cover under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to ₹10 lakhs. It will also provide free diagnostic services to the poor, and set up two AIIMS-standard medical facilities.
For women, the BJP last time promised a special empowerment fund, and periodic hikes in pension for widows. This year, the party says that it will give 1 lakh government jobs to women. They will also get two free LPG cylinders every year. Elderly women will get free bus travel, if the BJP wins.
In sports, the BJP last time promised to set up an Olympics Mission, promote traditional sports, and give financial aid to athletes. This time again, the party has said that it will launch an Olympics Mission to host the Games in the state in 2036.
For urban areas, the BJP in 2017 said that it will implement Smart City projects, build multi-level parking lots, and start Metro trains in Surat and Vadodara. This time, the BJP is promising a ₹25,000 crore scheme to revamp and decongest urban areas. It is also promising expansion of highways and the Metro network.
In 2017, the BJP said it will turn rural areas into Smart Villages. The party promised pucca houses to the poor. For tribals, the BJP said it will set up welfare boards and an Adivasi University. This year, the pucca house promise remains, along with a guarantee to include subsidised edible oil and chana in the Public Distribution System. For tribals, the BJP has said it will set up a ₹1 lakh crore fund, and also residential schools.
Five years ago, the party had promised to double income of farmers through zero-interest loans, mechanisation of agriculture, and other measures. This time, the BJP has promised a ₹10,000 crore agricultural infrastructure cell. Fisherman will get new boats if their vessels are seized by Pakistani authorities. Also, irrigation networks will be expanded, and cattle feed will be subsidised if the BJP wins.
Narendra Modi left Gujarat to become the Prime Minister 8 years ago. But the BJP is still depending on him to take it past the finish line, even as the sword of anti-incumbency looms over the party. Has PM Modi been able to evoke nostalgia among Gujaratis? And has the BJP's manifesto made them dream of a better future? December 8 will reveal the answer.