The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) found itself under heavy fire from opposition parties regarding its Lok Sabha manifesto, with allegations of it being dubbed a 'jumla patra' (a document of false promises) due to its purported absence of mention on critical issues like inflation and unemployment.
Critics from various opposition camps took aim at the BJP's electoral pledge, asserting that it was rife with falsehoods and lacked credibility. One of the chief contentions was the alleged disregard for addressing the pressing concerns of unemployment and inflation, pivotal issues that directly impact the lives of citizens.
The BJP's manifesto, highlighted by a special emphasis on welfare measures for the poor, youth, farmers, and women, was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. Among the key promises outlined were the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and advocating for simultaneous elections (One Nation, One Election).
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra turned to Social Media Platform emphasizing the paramount importance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Constitution in shaping the ethos of the nation while rejecting the BJP's manifesto altogether.
In her post, she wrote "Baba Saheb's Constitution is the soul of India. Our Constitution gives the right to live a life of dignity to crores of people of the country. The Constitution places the common people at the center of democracy. Today, we all have to unite and reject BJP's 'Constitution Change Mission' and say loudly that the country will be run by the Constitution and together we will defeat those who intend to change the Constitution"
Rahul Gandhi also took to social media and said, "Two words are missing from BJP's manifesto and Narendra Modi's speech inflation and unemployment. BJP does not even want to discuss the most important issues related to people's lives. INDIA's plan is very clear - recruitment for 30 lakh posts and a permanent job of Rs 1 lakh to every educated youth. This time the youth is not going to fall into the trap of Modi, now he will strengthen the hands of Congress and bring 'employment revolution' in the country".
Further criticism was levied by other opposition figures, alleging a departure from constitutional principles.
They criticized the BJP for allegedly attempting to undermine democratic values, suggesting that their actions might be eroding the core principles of the Constitution.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these sentiments, denouncing PM Modi for failing to deliver on his promises, particularly in the realm of agricultural reforms.
Kharge rebuked the BJP manifesto as lacking in substance and dismissed the credibility of its assurances, citing unfulfilled commitments such as doubling farmers' income and providing legal guarantees on minimum support prices (MSP).