Manipur Assembly elections | Freebies for students, ‘Fo Fo’ train in BJP poll manifesto
The Hindu
BJP replicates Assam model with promise of free scooties and laptops
Assam-style freebies for students, commitment to protecting the State’s territorial integrity and the introduction of ‘Fo Fo’ train are some of the promises the BJP has made in its election manifesto for Manipur released on Thursday.
Elections to the 60-member Assembly are scheduled on February 28 and March 5.
The BJP promised free scooties for meritorious college-going girls and laptops for students who pass Class 12 with high grades.
The BJP-led coalition government in Assam has been gifting a scooty each for all meritorious college-going girls and a laptop for each student excelling in their Class 10 State board exam. A cash award of ₹20,000 will be transferred to the account of each eligible student instead of a laptop this year.
The BJP asserted its commitment to protecting the State’s territorial integrity and preserving its rich cultural heritage and the rights of the indigenous people. Many in the State fear a peace deal with Naga extremist organisations could lead to the State losing large swathes of land.
According to the manifesto, girls from economically weaker and backward sections will be provided with ₹25,000 each under the Rani Gaidinliu Nupi Maheiroi Singi scheme and two free LPG cylinders will be provided annually to all the PM Ujjwala beneficiaries.
Rani Gaidinliu, a Naga freedom fighter, is a northeastern icon of the BJP.