The Bharatiya Janata Party will release its manifesto for the general election on April 7, the same day the first phase of polling begins in Tripura and Assam.
The party, which is facing criticism for delaying the release of its manifesto, attributed the prolonged wait to “logistical” problems. It was not because of “internal disagreements” between senior leaders and prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi as was being speculated, a functionary said.
“We wanted all senior leaders to be present for the release of the document. Since everyone is campaigning in their constituencies, it was difficult to find a date that would suit all.”
The party, however, did not give out the names of leaders who are expected to be present on the occasion. It is speculated that Mr. Modi will share the stage with party patriarch L.K. Advani and senior leader Murli Manohar Joshi, who headed the manifesto committee.
Asked why the party chose the date on which polling begins, a senior leader said the manifesto had to be preceded by the release of a charge sheet against the Congress. “The charge sheet will be released on April 5. It will be a list of failures of the Congress-led UPA government,” BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said.
The economy and good governance are expected to be the mainstay of the BJP’s manifesto, with the focus on employment generation and revival of the manufacturing sector. Tax reforms, education, health care and women’s issues will find prominence. Issues of internal and external security will also feature in the manifesto.