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In a significant development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently launched the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) manifesto for the impending Telangana Assembly elections scheduled for November 30. The manifesto, titled “PM Modi’s Pledge to Telangana,” outlines a comprehensive vision for the state’s future. Here are the key highlights:
Historical Recognition
BJP commits to officially observing Hyderabad Liberation Day on September 17th annually, paying homage to Telangana’s historical significance.
August 27 will be dedicated as Razakar Horrors Remembrance Day to honor the martyrs of Bairanpally and Parkal.
Political Assurances
Shah emphasizes that the manifesto’s commitments are a ‘PM Modi guarantee,’ focusing on stability and progress.
A direct critique of the Congress, alleging historical reluctance towards Telangana’s statehood.
Cultural Preservation
Promise to establish a museum and memorial in Hyderabad, documenting Telangana’s courageous struggle against the Razakars and the Nizams.
Anti-Corruption Measures
Pledge to appoint a commission, led by a retired Supreme Court judge, to investigate corruption allegations, including the Kaleshwaram and Dharani scams.
Social Justice and Empowerment
Reiteration of the commitment to appoint Telangana’s first Chief Minister from the Backward Classes, aiming for inclusive development.
Removal of unconstitutional religion-based reservations, extending benefits to OBCs, SCs, and STs.
Economic Reforms
Commitment to reduce VAT to alleviate inflation, particularly concerning petrol prices.
Assurance to purchase the entire rice production in Telangana, providing ₹3,100 MSP on Paddy, and supporting turmeric farmers through the National Turmeric Board.
Agricultural Initiatives
Free crop insurance for farmers through the PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
Provision of four free gas cylinders annually to Ujjwala beneficiaries.
Educational Support
Promise to provide free laptops for female students entering undergraduate or professional college courses.
Introduction of the Aada-Bidda Barosa fixed Deposit for newborn girls.
Administrative Reforms
Transparent and time-bound TSPSC State Recruitment exams, including Group 1 and Group 2 exams within six months.
Social and Healthcare Commitments
Formation of a committee to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Assurance of ₹10 lakh coverage per eligible family per annum for secondary and tertiary healthcare.
Additional Pledges
Free Ram Mandir and Kashi Yatra for senior citizens.
Provision of free Desi milk-yielding cows to small and marginal farmers.
Free annual health checkups for economically weaker residents.
While the Congress also released its manifesto featuring schemes like ‘Mahalakshmi’ and ‘Gruha Jyothi,’ political reactions vary.
The BJP expresses skepticism towards the Congress promises. As Telangana gears up for the November 30 elections, these manifestos set the stage for a crucial political showdown. In the 2018 elections, the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi secured a significant victory with 88 out of 119 seats.
