BJP vs Congress in Haryana: Which Promises Are Realistic?
24 Sep 2024 11:26:59
As Haryana gears up for its elections, the stage is set with two primary contenders: the Congress, which is banking on its "guarantees," and the BJP, presenting its "20-point manifesto." While both parties vie for the people’s mandate, it is essential to analyze the feasibility of their promises. What stands out are the apparent "freebies" that aim to attract voters, raising the crucial question: Which pledges are realistic and sustainable, and which are mere electoral gimmicks designed to win votes?
In its manifesto, the BJP has made several key promises, particularly aimed at empowering women and supporting rural areas. Some of the notable pledges include:
On the other side, the Congress is ramping up its strategy with seven guarantees. These promises resemble the populist tactics that won them Karnataka and are now being extended to Haryana. Key guarantees include:
Karnataka, too, is beginning to show signs of financial stress. Barely 18 months into Congress rule, the state government is reportedly reconsidering the viability of continuing its election guarantees for the entire five-year term. The state’s free bus travel for women, a much-touted promise, has led to operational losses of ₹295 crore for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in just three months. There are even talks of increasing bus fares by 20% to cover these costs.
However, Congress’ other promises reveals further concerns:
MSP promises: Congress has promised a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Prices (MSP), a topic they never seriously addressed during their ten-year rule. The BJP, in contrast, has already expanded MSP coverage to 24 crops in Haryana.
Job creation: Congress is promising 200,000 permanent jobs for the youth, but skepticism remains high due to the previous Hooda government’s history of corruption, making this promise seem less credible.
Drug-free state: Another promise from Congress is to make Haryana drug-free. However, the same pledge was made in Punjab in 2017, and the issue remains unresolved to this day.
Even Congress’ vow to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) is being met with caution. The dire situation of pensioners in Himachal Pradesh has made voters wary of trusting this commitment again.
In contrast, BJP’s welfare schemes, such as the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi which provides stipends to farmers, have been rolled out without being part of election manifestos. The BJP has demonstrated that it can implement such schemes while in power, strengthening its credibility. Similarly, initiatives like the Ladli Behna in Madhya Pradesh have resonated well with the public, showing that the party delivers on its promises.
BJP's manifesto for Haryana is backed by detailed financial roadmaps, ensuring that the promises made are not only practical but also sustainable. Furthermore, the party enjoys the advantage of having Narendra Modi as its leader. Modi's guarantee, often synonymous with trust and delivery, has consistently swayed the electorate, and it remains a strong asset for the BJP as it seeks to retain power in Haryana.
In conclusion, while both parties are making sweeping promises, it’s important for the voters of Haryana to carefully weigh the feasibility and past performance of each contender. Congress’ guarantees might seem attractive on paper, but past failures in other states paint a different picture. On the other hand, BJP’s promises, while equally ambitious, come with a track record of delivery and careful financial planning, making them more reliable in the eyes of the voters. As Haryana’s elections approach, the key question remains: Which party’s promises will truly benefit the state in the long run?
BJP's 20-point manifesto: A focus on women and rural development
In its manifesto, the BJP has made several key promises, particularly aimed at empowering women and supporting rural areas. Some of the notable pledges include:
- ₹2,100 per month for women under the Lado Lakshmi Yojana. This scheme focuses on financially assisting women in the state, a move that, while significant, could strain state finances if not managed carefully.
- LPG cylinders at ₹500 under the Grihini Yojana. This subsidy aims to ease the financial burden on households, particularly in rural areas.
- Awwal Balika Yojana, promising scooters to female college students in rural areas to promote education and mobility for young women.
- While these schemes could lead to additional financial pressure, the BJP has a track record of implementing similar initiatives in other states without triggering financial crises. This bolsters their claim that these promises are feasible. For instance, schemes such as the Ladli Behna and Mahatari Bandhan in Madhya Pradesh have been rolled out effectively, further enhancing the credibility of the BJP’s ability to fulfill its promises.
Congress’ 7 guarantees
On the other side, the Congress is ramping up its strategy with seven guarantees. These promises resemble the populist tactics that won them Karnataka and are now being extended to Haryana. Key guarantees include:
- ₹2,000 per month for women aged 18-60.
- 300 units of free electricity for households.
- Free medical treatment worth up to ₹25 lakh.
- LPG cylinders at ₹500.
- Despite the appeal of these promises, Congress’ track record in states like Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka has cast doubt on its ability to deliver. For instance, in Himachal Pradesh, post-election promises have led to severe financial strain, with the state now facing a debt burden of ₹90,000 crore. Public sector employees, lured by the promise of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), are now struggling with delayed salaries and pensions. The government has been forced to reconsider several subsidies due to the empty state treasury.
Karnataka, too, is beginning to show signs of financial stress. Barely 18 months into Congress rule, the state government is reportedly reconsidering the viability of continuing its election guarantees for the entire five-year term. The state’s free bus travel for women, a much-touted promise, has led to operational losses of ₹295 crore for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in just three months. There are even talks of increasing bus fares by 20% to cover these costs.
However, Congress’ other promises reveals further concerns:
MSP promises: Congress has promised a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Prices (MSP), a topic they never seriously addressed during their ten-year rule. The BJP, in contrast, has already expanded MSP coverage to 24 crops in Haryana.
Job creation: Congress is promising 200,000 permanent jobs for the youth, but skepticism remains high due to the previous Hooda government’s history of corruption, making this promise seem less credible.
Drug-free state: Another promise from Congress is to make Haryana drug-free. However, the same pledge was made in Punjab in 2017, and the issue remains unresolved to this day.
Even Congress’ vow to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) is being met with caution. The dire situation of pensioners in Himachal Pradesh has made voters wary of trusting this commitment again.
In contrast, BJP’s welfare schemes, such as the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi which provides stipends to farmers, have been rolled out without being part of election manifestos. The BJP has demonstrated that it can implement such schemes while in power, strengthening its credibility. Similarly, initiatives like the Ladli Behna in Madhya Pradesh have resonated well with the public, showing that the party delivers on its promises.
BJP's manifesto for Haryana is backed by detailed financial roadmaps, ensuring that the promises made are not only practical but also sustainable. Furthermore, the party enjoys the advantage of having Narendra Modi as its leader. Modi's guarantee, often synonymous with trust and delivery, has consistently swayed the electorate, and it remains a strong asset for the BJP as it seeks to retain power in Haryana.
In conclusion, while both parties are making sweeping promises, it’s important for the voters of Haryana to carefully weigh the feasibility and past performance of each contender. Congress’ guarantees might seem attractive on paper, but past failures in other states paint a different picture. On the other hand, BJP’s promises, while equally ambitious, come with a track record of delivery and careful financial planning, making them more reliable in the eyes of the voters. As Haryana’s elections approach, the key question remains: Which party’s promises will truly benefit the state in the long run?