BJP's Karnataka manifesto promises waiver of farm loan up to Rs 1 lakh

BENGALURU: BJP's election manifesto for Karnataka released on Friday promised a waiver of farm loan of up to Rs one lakh borrowed from nationalised and cooperative banks and listed out other proposed initiatives for farmers, women and youth.

The manifesto, unveiled by BJP state unit president and the party's chief ministerial candidate, B S Yeddyurappa also said if voted to power, 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.

"Go Seva Ayog" aimed at cow protection would also be revived, the party said, also promising to reintroduce the strignent “Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation Bill 2012” .

The manifesto, released a full week after the Congress ruled its own , also contains variations of the various schemes already announced by the Siddaramaiah government for farmers.

The manifesto also proposed to increase the number of subsidised canteens started by the present Congress government and change the names from 'Indira canteens' to 'Annapurna canteens'.

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.

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