BJP revives religious issue: Promises Ayodhya temple in manifesto

HT

Lucknow, 27 January 2012: With Sadhvi Uma Bharti, a prominent Ayodhya movement leader, joining UP electoral battle, the BJP has once against gone back to Ram Temple agenda.

 

The party in its manifesto released in Lucknow on Friday announced to construct a grand temple in Ayodhya. Releasing the document the  state BJP president Surya Pratap Shahi, Uma Bharti, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and other leaders said that the party was committed for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

 

The BJP assailed the Congress, Samajwadi Party, BSP and left parties for opposing construction of Ram temple.

Dedicating a chapter on the issue Shahi said that the party would ensure removal of all impediments in the construction of the temple. "It is an issue connected with the emotions of people of the country and the party was committed for it", Shahi said and added it was opposed to the politics of appeasement.

 

On Mayawati’s parks and memorials the party said it would review its construction. Shahi said a commission would be set up to probe into large-scale corruption in the BSP government.

 

The party has also promised to withdraw 4.5% reservation given to minority communities. Shahi said religion-based quota policy was dangerous and it would be scrapped if the party came to power.

 

While promising to issue citizen charter, the BJP has also assured to bring the Chief Minister under UP Lokayukta. The party said it was aimed at good governance.

 

Interestingly the party has also copied some points from the SP. It has also promised freebies like computer/laptop and tablets to the students. While SP has promised Rs 1,000 per month unemployment allowance, the BJP has enhanced the amount to Rs 2,000.