Mr Narendra Modi’s Gujarat is one of the governance models that the BJP’s manifesto for the coming Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh has promised, if the party comes to power. Mr Modi is also one of the star campaigners of the party.
The manifesto, expected to be released next week, will also try to focus on the OBC and the MBC (most backward class) at a time when the Congress, BSP and SP are trying to win over the minorities. To counter the Opposition’s charge of being “anti-minorities”, the saffron party has also made attempts to keep this section in good humour by mentioning the development graph of minorities in its ruled states, including Gujarat, with a special emphasis that minorities in BJP-ruled states are on the development path without any reservation or quota.
Another issue likely to figure in the manifesto is the Ram Mandir. However, treading cautiously on this sensitive issue and also after realising that the Ram Mandir is no more a vote-catching issue for it, the manifesto will only mention the saffron party’s commitment to its construction in Ayodhya.
Critical of the Congress-led UPA’s decision to provide 4.5 per cent sub-quota for minorities from within the existing 27 per cent quota for the OBCs, the BJP is expected to announce sops for non-Yadav OBCs. The manifesto is also expected to mention how the Congress has robbed OBCs of their rightful share by announcing the 4.5 per cent sub quota for minorities. Former UP minister Babu Singh Kushwaha, an OBC, is also highlighting the issue among his caste members in the state through rallies and by attending community gatherings. After the BJP had to face criticism over his induction, Kushwaha had asked BJP chief Nitin Gadkari to put his membership on hold till his name is cleared of corruption charges.
To woo minorities, the BJP will showcase the report card of its ruled states, including Gujarat, where the party claims minorities are on the development path without any quota or reservation. The manifesto is expected to mention schemes in BJP-ruled states to benefit minorities.