New Delhi: Political parties on Monday slammed BJP's manifesto especially over inclusion of Ram temple and other 'Hindutva' issues, saying it was only aimed at hoodwinking voters. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh accused BJP of exploiting religion for political gains. Pointing to a recent sting on the Ram Mandir agitation, he said many VHP leaders were heard saying that the death of some Hindus was required to infuse a new life into the movement. "They spoke about religion and have exploited it politically," the Congress general secretary said. He welcomed BJP's offer to help madrassas, saying it is a good sign for country. Left parties also came down heavily on BJP for the mention of Ram Temple issue in its manifesto, saying it is intended to "consolidate" Hindu votes. Observing that BJP has reiterated its "hardcore Hindutva agenda" by highlighting issues like the Ram Temple, abrogation of Article 370 and a uniform civil code, senior CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said "this is its real agenda".
"That it will abide by the Constitution on the temple issue is a total eyewash. Which constitutional provision has endorsed the destruction of Babri Masjid," he asked. Terming the manifesto as mere sloganeering, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said people have witnessed in the past that issues like Common Civil Code, Ram Mandir and Article 370 are "handles" for BJP to come to power. Similar views were echoed by his father and president of National Conference Farooq Abdullah who said BJP was trying to fool people of this country by "selling dreams". Omar reminded that this is not the first time that issues like Article 370, Ram temple and Common Civil Code have been raised.
"Please tell me when did they actually address these issues when they were in power. What was the development done by them on these issues," he said, adding, "This is purely an effort to hoodwink the voters of this country." Naresh Agarwal of Samajwadi Party said the manifesto was only a showpiece and BJP was interested in grabbing power by any means. "Their manifesto is eating... and cheating. It is about grabbing power, doing the politics over dead bodies...," he said. Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi questioned how BJP will fulfil its promise of building a house for every family and reaching drinking water to all villages. "Where from will money come? How long will it take? They should be clear about it," he said. Meanwhile, in Farukkhabad, Union minister Salman Khurshid said "if taking revenge was a part of Modi's manifesto, then it's wrong. Revenge would pose a threat to the democracy." While talking to reporters here, Khurshid attacked Modi saying how a party which could not frame its manifesto could claim to run the country.
