In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the disagreement over election manifestos has emerged as a key issue that needs urgent attention. With accusations of bribery and bluster flying between the two parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress Party (Congress) are at odds with one another over their various promises.
The allegations made by the BJP:
Regarding the Congress manifesto dubbed “Ghar Ghar Guarantee,” the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed its concerns to the Election Commission, accusing the Congress manifesto of engaging in corrupt practices that are equivalent to bribery. According to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), such promises have the potential to influence voters through inducement.
The response from Congress:
“Modi Ki Guarantee,” the platform of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been criticised by the Congress party, which has referred to it as “mere rhetoric.” This party accuses the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of not keeping previous promises, particularly those pertaining to the creation of jobs and the doubling of farmer income, and of moving the goalposts to the year 2047.
Karnataka Polls and Freebies:
A large part of the political discourse was played by the promises that were announced by the Congress party in advance of the Karnataka elections. These assurances were referred to as “Revdis” by the BJP. These pledges were criticised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as being destructive to the economy, and their impact on improving living circumstances was questioned.
Election Commission Complaint from BJP:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a request to the Election Commission, requesting that they prevent the Congress from disseminating “guarantee cards” and other promotional materials that could be interpreted as bribes in the election process. The cards, which are said to have been issued along with application forms for promised benefits, are considered to be instruments for the purpose of persuading voters.
The position of the Election Commission:
In response to the intervention of the Election Commission, it has been emphasised that manifestos should concentrate on promises that are able to be fulfilled. In spite of the fact that it recognises the right of political parties to publish manifestos, it emphasises the significance of preserving fairness and avoiding pledges that could have unfavourable effects on elections.
Ensuring Fair Elections:
In a letter that was sent to political parties in 2022, the Election Commission emphasised the importance of openly exposing the financial ramifications of those parties’ platform pledges. Its purpose is to guarantee that the trust of voters is founded on commitments that are based in reality and to ensure that all parties are playing on an equal playing field.
The conflict between the BJP and the Congress with regard to electoral manifestos is becoming more intense as the elections for the Lok Sabha in 2024 get closer. The importance of transparency and accountability in political pledges is brought into further focus by allegations of bribery and hyperbole. The intervention of the Election Commission is taken with the intention of preserving the honesty of the electoral process and protecting the confidence of respondents.
-Nithika