The political landscape in Haryana is heating up as the state prepares for its upcoming assembly elections. With Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as the primary contenders, both parties are making bold promises to secure votes. Congress has announced seven guarantees, while the BJP has rolled out a 20-point manifesto.
The Promises: An Overview
Congress’s Seven Guarantees
The Congress party aims to revitalize its political fortunes in Haryana by offering a series of promises designed to attract voters. These include:
- Monthly Stipend for Women: ₹2,000 for women aged 18 to 60.
- Free Electricity: 300 units per month for households.
- Affordable LPG Cylinders: Priced at ₹500 each.
- Health Coverage: Free medical treatment up to ₹25 lakh.
- Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Reinstatement for government employees.
- Job Creation: Commitment to provide 200,000 permanent jobs for youth.
- Legal Guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP): Ensuring farmers receive fair compensation.
These guarantees are part of Congress’s strategy to regain voter confidence after years of dwindling support.
BJP’s 20-Point Manifesto
In contrast, the BJP has unveiled a comprehensive manifesto that includes:
- Lado Lakshmi Yojana: ₹2,100 monthly support for women.
- Grihini Yojana: LPG cylinders available at ₹500.
- Awwal Balika Yojana: Scooters for female college students in rural areas.
- Continued Financial Support for Farmers: Ongoing stipends and MSP coverage.
- Infrastructure Development: Plans for improved roads and public services.
The BJP’s previous successes in implementing similar schemes in other states bolster its claims of financial viability.
The Financial Implications of Promises
While both parties are making attractive promises, the critical question remains: Which commitments are financially feasible?
Congress’s Financial Burden
The financial implications of Congress’s guarantees could be staggering:
- The monthly stipend of ₹2,000 for women could cost approximately ₹16,800 crore annually if extended to 70 lakh below-poverty-line women.
- Doubling social security pensions to ₹6,000 would add an estimated ₹10,900 crore to state expenditures.
- Providing free electricity to 45 lakh households may increase the subsidy bill by another ₹3,200 crore.
Given these figures, experts warn that such populist measures could strain Haryana’s finances significantly.
BJP’s Track Record
On the other hand, the BJP has demonstrated its ability to implement welfare schemes without leading to financial crises in states like Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. The party argues that its structured approach to funding these programs ensures sustainability and minimizes fiscal risks.
Voter Sentiment and Trust Issues
The electorate’s trust plays a crucial role in determining which party will prevail in this election cycle.
Congress’s Declining Popularity
Congress’s recent history raises concerns about its credibility:
- In Himachal Pradesh, promises made during elections led to severe financial distress, with public employees struggling with delayed salaries and pensions.
- Karnataka has seen similar challenges; ministers are now pressuring leadership to reconsider implementing guarantees due to stalled development projects.
These instances have led many voters to question Congress’s ability to deliver on its promises.
BJP’s Established Trust
Conversely, the BJP has cultivated a reputation for reliability among voters:
- Initiatives like direct farmer stipends have been successfully executed since 2019 without adverse effects on state finances.
- The party’s governance model under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instilled confidence across various demographics, enhancing its appeal among voters.
Conclusion: A Critical Decision Ahead
As Haryana approaches its assembly elections on October 5, voters face a critical decision regarding which party’s promises they can trust. While both Congress and the BJP offer compelling visions for the future, their financial feasibility remains a significant concern.
The coming weeks will be pivotal as both parties ramp up their campaigns and attempt to sway public opinion. Ultimately, the choice made by Haryana’s electorate will shape the state’s trajectory for years to come, making it essential for voters to critically evaluate each party’s commitments against their past performance and financial implications.
