Election manifestos: BJP, Congress and AAP's stand on key issues

NEW DELHI: With BJP releasing its election manifesto on Monday, almost a week after both AAP and Congress, comparisons are being made about each party's stand on key issues.

We take a look at what BJP, Congress and AAP's stand is on issues of national security, economy, defence, education and FDI.

National Security

BJP- Modi underlined that there will be zero tolerance on terrorism, extremism and crime. The manifesto says there should be a clear roadmap for dealing with national security issues.

Congress- Address the challenges of Left Wing Extremism. Ensure that police forces are equipped with modern weapons and technology. Development agenda to empower the people in LWE affected areas will continue.

AAP- Review laws like AFSPA, zero tolerance towards terrorism, Kashmir an integral part of India.

FDI

BJP- The party makes its opposition to FDI in multi-brand retail clear. However, it is open to FDI in other sectors if it creates employment.

Congress- FDI in multi-brand retail will bring better returns to farmers.

AAP- Opposed to FDI in retail.

Education

BJP- Revive Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, restructure UGC into a Higher Education Commission, online vocational training, skill mapping.

Congress- Encourage quality education and sports infrastructure in India. A National Sports Education University to nurture talent. Party will address issues relating to discrimination against students from the North East and J&K.

AAP- Equitable access to quality education to all, special provisions for girls, establish institutions like IITs and AIIMS.

Defence

BJP- Encourage technology transfer in defence manufacturing, independent strategic nuclear programme.

Congress- Ensure a transparent process of procuring state-of-the-art equipment. Fresh impetus to upgrading domestic manufacturing capabilities. Ensure welfare of Ex-Servicemen by establishing a "National Commission for Ex-Servicemen".

AAP- Transparency in defence procurement, integrated approach to all three services, encourage indigenous production of weapons, one rank one pension, secure borders through better infrastructure.

Economy

BJP- Check price rise, create employment and encourage enterprenuership, check corruption, bring back black money, remove policy paralysis.

Congress- 8% plus growth rate within three years. Zero aversion to foreign investment. "Direct Tax Code" and the "GST" Bills will increase aggregate revenue. Party's "Jobs Agenda" aims at creating 10 crore new jobs.

AAP - Emphasises on more jobs, controlling price rise and empowering the common people, bring back black money stashed abroad, simplify taxation system.