(Image source from: BJP releases manifesto)

The BJP released its electoral manifesto today, a day when India goes into polls for the Lok Sabha elections 2014. Assam and Tripura have begun voting in the first phase of the nine-phase general election that will be completed in 36 days.

The highlights of BJP's manifesto are as follows

1. BJP manifesto has two main slogans "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" (One India, great India) and "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas".

2. The manifesto promises economic revival and development for all people in the country, based on the dominant themes of BJP prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi's campaign.

3. BJP also promises a Ram temple in Ayodhya, where the Babri mosque was razed. However, the party says that a temple would be built only "within the Constitutional framework" of the country.

4. The 40-page manifesto of the says that it would work towards controlling price rise.

5. The party's manifesto has placed on a priority the task of bringing back black money to India.

6. BJP manifesto says that FDI will be allowed in all such sectors, where it is needed for job and asset creation. However, the Saffron party was not in favour of FDI in multi-brand retail sector.

7. In order to reduce import bill, the manifesto says oil and gas explorations would be expedited.

8. Vocational training, technical training and scientific research programmes were also stressed in the BJP manifesto.

9. A high speed train network titled the Diamond Quadrilateral project was also promished by the BJP.

10. To facilitate easy movement of perishable Agricultural products, an Agri Rail network would be established that will cater to the specific needs of the sector.

According to reports, the BJP manifesto was delayed as Narendra Modi wanted the manifesto document, drafted by senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, to be trimmed to give it "greater clarity and sharper focus".

(AW: Pratima Tigga)