Modi’s BJP promises jobs, common civil code in manifesto for India election

The Hindu nationalist party unveils its promises days before the start of a multiphase general election.

India’s governing party has pledged to create jobs, boost infrastructure and expand welfare programmes if it wins a third term in the marathon general election, starting in less than a week.

Releasing its manifesto ahead of the polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday also promised to introduce a new common civil code for the country, calling it a crucial step for gender equality in the world’s most populous nation.

The general election, which begins on April 19, will be held in seven stages, until June 1. Votes are due to be counted on June 4 and results are expected the same day.