On Tuesday, 3 April, the Congress released its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. The manifesto, along with promising the Minimum Income Guarantee and a separate Kisan Budget, also talked about scrapping the sedition law and reviewing the AFSPA to 'balance the requirements of security and protection of human rights' among others.
The manifesto drew criticism from the BJP who alleged that it will weaken India and is filled with lies.
BJP Counters Diluting of AFSPA
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said it is a charter to weaken India. “The repeal of S.124A of the IPC, diluting AFSPA & ‘bail is the rule jail is the exception’ for terrorists & hardcore criminals will compromise national security,” he tweeted.
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the manifesto “strengthens the ‘Tukde Tukde Gang’ and weakens the morale of India's security forces.”
Arun Jaitley also criticised the Single Rate GST promised in the manifesto saying it will increase prices of food items and luxury commodities. The Congress member replied with a tweet that explained why he is wrong. “Essential goods of mass consumption (such as food grains, lifesaving drugs, vaccines, etc) and essential services will be exempted from GST 2.0 or zero-rated,” he said.
Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot tweeted that these criticisms show the desperation of the BJP. “They have nothing constructive to offer. They should speak about their programmes and policies rather than criticising our manifesto,” he said.
PM Narendra Modi, in his election rally address in Arunachal Pradesh, said it’s not a manifesto but a fraud. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed said this reaction shows his panic and desperation at being unable to match the Congress manifesto.
Former diplomat KC Singh criticised BJP for attacking the manifesto. Where are your achievements, Twitter asked.
Tweeple Dive Into the Manifesto
The Twitter world also analysed the manifesto and shared their thoughts on different promises. Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai said it is a ‘solid document worth debating.’
One Twitter user explained why he agrees with toning down of Armed Forces Special Powers Act. “In my opinion the impunity the law provides, in theory, and to a higher degree than in practice, intrinsically puts to question how India treats some of its citizens as less equal than others. India, I believe, can do better. It should,” he tweeted.
Political commentator Sunanda Vashisht was of the opinion that AFSPA should be removed from Kashmir completely. She also commented on the plans to make NSA accountable to the Parliament and said it is not a good idea.
Repeal of Sedition Law Discussed
Twitter also called out those criticising the repeal of sedition law. Journalist Mihir Sharma called out those who argued for repealing of the sedition law. “Why are they silent as people like the finance minister argue that a promise to repeal those is anti-national? Speak now or shut up about free speech,” he said.
Writer Nilanjana Roy said, many had argued for the laws on sedition, defamation and AFSPA to be dropped or changed. “A party that takes a more progressive stance than it has in the past, despite a high political cost, deserves your support if you claim to care about a free media and citizenship,” she said.
Popular YouTube creator Dhruv Rathee said Bhakts are supporting the sedition law without realising that “if a crazy, autocratic Opposition government comes up in future, they will be first to become the new ‘Tukde Tukde Gang’ and harassed for criticising government.”
Government Jobs & Law Against Hate Crimes
Twitterati also picked up certain sections of the manifesto and discussed what it meant for the country. Journalist MK Venu said the promise to fill 22 lakh government vacancies by 31 March 2020 is the most practical idea in the Congress manifesto at a time when there is rampant joblessness.
Some lauded the promise of ensuring minimum wages to Anganwadi workers.
The section dedicated to persons with disabilities and law against hate crimes were also received with joy.
All in all, the Congress manifesto was seen as a strong document with many doable ideas.
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