BJP releases manifesto for K'taka polls, vows farm loan waiver upto 1 lakh

Bengaluru: The BJP on Friday released manifesto for the Karnataka Assembly polls and promised allocation of Rs 1.5 lakh crore for irrigation projects and waiver of farm loan up to Rs one lakh borrowed from nationalised and cooperative banks.

The manifesto, unveiled by BJP state unit president and the party's chief ministerial candidate, BS Yeddyurappa also said if voted to power, the “Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation Bill 2012” will be reintroduced.

Rs 3,000 Crore Kamadhenu Fund for development of animal husbandry and dairy farming infrastructure and Rs 1,000 Crore fund for expanding veterinary services have also been announced in the manifesto.

The party also said that it would bring out a 'white paper' on the financial health of the state under the Congress rule.

A scheme to provide Rs 25,000 and three grams of gold for brides coming under the BPL category during the marriage and opening of "Annapoorna Canteens" has also been promised.

The party also pledged Rs 1.5 lakh crore for “Sujalam Suphalam Karnataka Yojane”, which aims to complete all irrigation projects in the state by 2023.

Reaching out to women, the manifesto also promised a Rs 10,000 Crore “Stree Unnati Fund” to set up one of the largest women run co-operatives and establish “Stree Unnati Stores” to market its products.

To ensure women safety, the party promised to form a Special Investigation Cell, under a woman police officer and employing 1,000 police women to investigate all pending crimes against women.

It also said free sanitary napkins to BPL women and girl students and at Rs 1 for other women will be provided under the new “Stree Suvidha Scheme.”

BJP MP and state leader Shobha Karandlaje said the manifesto was a "vision document" which reflected people's aspirations and expectations.

Over three lakh people as also experts had been consulted in preparing the manifesto, she said.

The manifesto was released after paying homage to party sitting MLA and its candidate for Jayanagar constituency BN Vijaykumar, who died of a massive heart attack at a hospital here today.

Polls for the 224-member assembly will be held on May 12.

Counting of votes will be taken up on May 15.

(With PTI inputs)