BJP vs Congress: Common findings in the poll manifestos

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have released their manifestos discussing all possibilities and provisions which will be enacted if voted to power. Take a look at what they have in 'common' in their manifestos.

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its manifesto on Monday for the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections 2019, while the Congress had released its own on April 2.

Here is what both the ruling and opposition parties have in common.

National Security

• Congress: Ensure an increase in defence spending, expand domestic capacity to manufacture own equipment
• BJP: Strengthen armed forces with modern equipment, strive for self-reliance in defence sector.

Employment

• Congress: Fill 34 lakh job vacancies in state and centre by March 2020.
• BJP: 10% reservations to EWS in state and central government jobs. 'Entrepreneurial Northeast' scheme for the northeastern states

Farmers

• Congress: Cash transfer of Rs 72000 to poorest 20 % of families via NYAY and special 'Kisan Budget' for farmers
• BJP: Double farmers income by 2022. Pension to small and marginal farmers after 60 years of age. Interest-free 'Kisan Credit Card' loans

Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) 2016

• Congress: To withdraw the CAB 2016 and restore Special Category status to the NE States
• BJP: To further CAB 2016 and clear existing apprehensions regarding the legislation

India-J&K relations

• Congress: No change in Article 370
• BJP: Abrogation of Article 370 and annulling of Article 35A

Taxation

• Congress: Review and replace current GST laws with new GST version
• BJP: Continue simplification of existing GST laws

Laws

• Congress: Decriminalise defamation and sedition; amend laws that allow detention without trial; pass Prevention of Torture Act; amend ASFPA; institute comprehensive prison reforms
• BJP: Zero tolerance against terrorism and extremism. Strengthening self-reliance in defence sector.

Planning

• Congress: Replace Niti Aayog with redefined Planning Commission
• BJP: Implementing 'Cooperative Federalism' through NITI Aayog, more involvement of states.

Women Empowerment

• Congress: 33% reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Equal Remuneration Act to be enforced effectively
• BJP: 33% reservation in state and central. Bill to prohibit and eliminate Triple Talaq and Nikah Halala

Rural development

• Congress: Connect villages with roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
• BJP: 'Rural road upgradation programme' to connect institutions, access to Pucca housing by 2022