Listing 45 promises, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday released its manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior party leaders. From expediting efforts for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya to the abolishment of Article 370 that grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir and Article 35A, the BJP made a slew of promises. Issues related to national security such as the fight against terrorism, welfare of soldiers and border security featured among the top commitments made by the BJP in its manifesto - Sankalp Patra. Click here to read the full text of BJP manifesto. 'AFSPA Must be Reviewed': Surgical Strikes Hero Lt Gen DS Hooda Endorses Congress Manifesto Promise.

Here's a list of promises the BJP made in its manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections:

    • Mentioning surgical strikes and air strikes, the BJP says it will continue to adopt the policy of 'Zero Tolerance' against terrorism and extremism. It promises to give 'free hand' to security forces.

    • On the national security front, the BJP promises to speed up the purchases of outstanding defence-related equipment and weapons.

    • The BJP promises that the planning for the resettlement of soldiers three years before their retirement and in accordance with their preferences. "This will include provision for skills training, soft skills training, financial support for higher education, for housing and for starting an enterprise," it says.

    • To combat infiltration, the BJP vows to implement the National Register of Citizens in a phased manner in other parts of the country.

    • The BJP reiterates its commitment to the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Congress Manifesto For Lok Sabha Elections 2019 List of Promises.

    • The BJP says it is committed to taking necessary and effective steps against left-wing extremism to eliminate this in the next ve years.

BJP manifesto for 2019 Lok Sabha elections: Watch key points

  • Reiterating its position, the BJP says it will abolish Article 370 and Article 35A. It also promises to make all efforts to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits.

  • On agrarian distress, the BJP promises to make an investment of Rs

    25 lakh crore to improve the productivity of the farm sector. It also promises to provide short-term new agriculture loans up to Rs. 1 lakh at a 0 per cent interest rate for 1-5 years on the condition of prompt repayment of the principal amount.

  • On the economic front, the BJP says it aspires to make India the third largest economy of the world by 2030. It also promises to promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurship and startups.

  • The BJP promises to equip all main railway stations with Wi-Fi facility by 2022 and vows to double the number of functional airports.

  • The BJP says it will continue to focus on the development of infrastructure and improved connectivity in the Northeastern states.

  • On jobs, the BJP promises to create new opportunities of employment by providing more support to the 22 major 'Champion Sectors'. It also promises to launch a new scheme to provide collateral-free credit up to Rs 50 lakh for entrepreneurs.

  • For women empowerment, the BJP promises to provide accessible and affordable quality education to women. It vows to pass a Bill against Triple Talaq and Nikah Halala. It says it is committed to 33 per cent reservation for women in parliament and state assemblies.

  • The BJP promises to further revise the tax slabs and the tax benefits for the middle class.

  • On minorities, the BJP says it is committed to the empowerment and development with dignity of all minorities, including Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Christians and Parsis.

  • The BJP promises reservation for Limboo and Tamang tribes in Sikkim Assembly.

  • The BJP promises to bring transgenders to the mainstream.

  • On cleaning Ganga, the BJP says it is committed to ensuring a clean and uninterrupted flow of river Ganga from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar.

  • On Sabarimala, the BJP says it will undertake every effort to ensure that the subject of faith, tradition and worship rituals related to Sabarimala are presented in a comprehensive manner before the Supreme Court.

  • The BJP the BJP reiterates its stand to draft a Uniform Civil Code.

  • The BJP also promises to continue its efforts seeking permanent membership of the United Nation Security Council.

Apart from these, the BJP also promised that it will expand and popularise the teaching of Sanskrit in schools and promote Yoga. It said an International Cultural Festival will be organised on a grand scale every year in five different states to showcase and promote the rich diversity of Indian culture.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 08, 2019 01:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).