By Manzar Bilal TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Janta Dal United (JDU) in search of Muslim voters has promised implementation of recommendations of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission, in its election manifesto released here yesterday. The JD (U) tried to present itself as a true well-wisher of the minorities, SCs/ STs and backwards classes and promised to work for an inclusive growth.
Releasing the manifesto which was entitled ‘A visionary charter of performance, promises and pledges for a new India’, chief minister of Bihar and senior leader of JDU, Mr. Nitish Kumar said that the party would try to ensure inclusive growth. “ The overriding vision is to create a just society in which the fruits of development is shared by all segments of the society particularly the most backwards, without discrimination based on caste, creed and religion” he added.
The manifesto promises increasing education among Muslims, particularly the weaker sections and girls, and implementation of the Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission’s recommendations for the minority welfare. It has special focus on problem of neglect of minorities and removal of gender-based educational barrier.
Dissimilar to the BJP’s stand, the manifesto supports the inclusion of Dalit Muslims and Christians among the scheduled castes and social identification of dalits for more focused initiatives and also of extremely backward castes within the backward classes.
Mr. Kumar also said that his party sticks to its ideology of non-compromise with communal strife, and made clear its disagreement with ally BJP over controversial issues like Ram Temple, uniform civil code and abrogation of Article 370.
“We remain secular committed to zero-tolerance to any communal strife. Our secular policy and practices do not subscribe to any other ideology on divisive issues relating to communal amity like the construction of Ram Temple, Introduction of Uniform Civil Code or removal Article 370,” he told media persons while releasing the election manifesto with party national president Mr. Sharad Yadav.
Speaking on the occasion, party president Mr. Sharad Yadav also confirmed the difference with BJP on certain issues. “Yes we have differences with BJP on Article 370, reservation for women and reservation for Dalit Muslims and Christians” he said.
The manifesto sought to reverse current economic decline, review growth momentum, create new employment opportunities and improve the environment for fresh investment both for public and private sector and promote public private partnerships.