The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) [NCP (SP)] revealed its election manifesto, dubbed “Shapatnama,” which proposes significant legal and policy shifts aimed at supporting various community segments in India. Unveiled by party chief Sharad Pawar, the manifesto includes a broad array of promises from revising national laws to enhancing state autonomy.
Key proposals include initiating a caste census and setting up a separate commission for farmers’ welfare. The party also advocates for 50% job reservation for women and the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, distancing itself from the ‘one nation, one election’ concept.
In terms of legal reforms, the NCP (SP) plans to review and potentially modify the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), National Register for Citizens (NRC), and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to ensure they align with constitutional values. Additionally, the party supports empowering local governance and enforcing constitutional amendments to possibly raise the reservation cap above 50%.
On the economic front, the manifesto promises to humanize the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, cap LPG cylinder prices at Rs 500, and restructure fuel taxes. In response to a query regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s critique, Pawar defended his agricultural track record, challenging Shah to demonstrate the achievements of his government.
The party also outlined its foreign policy vision focused on strategic global diplomacy and national security, along with prioritizing judicial reforms to ensure more inclusive access to justice.
With pledges covering a wide spectrum from welfare measures for the LGBTQ community to ensuring affordable health and education, the NCP (SP)’s manifesto aims to address comprehensive development themes resonant with diverse voter bases across India as the nation heads into the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.