Will Secure Constitutional Protection On Issues Related To Faith & Belief: BJP Manifesto On Sabarimala; Reiterates 'Commitment' To Citizenship Amendment Bill, NRC, Ayodhya, Repeal of Articles 370 and 35A etc.

In its manifesto for 2019 General elections released today, the Bharatiya Janata Party made it stand clear on many controversial legal issues.

Significantly, the BJP has this to offer on Sabarimala issue: "We will undertake every effort to ensure that the subject of faith, tradition and worship rituals related to Sabarimala are presented in a comprehensive manner before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. We will endeavour to secure constitutional protection on issues related to faith and belief."

Curiously, this comes after the Supreme Court's hearing in review petitions in the matter is over and reserved for orders. 

Committed To 'Citizenship Amendment Bill'

The party has stated that it is committed to the enactment of the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill. It added that it will make efforts to clarify the issues to the sections of population from the Northeastern states who have expressed apprehensions regarding the legislation.

"We reiterate our commitment to protect the linguistic, cultural and social identity of the people of Northeast. Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs escaping persecution from India's neighbouring countries will be given citizenship in India." it said.

Abrogation of Articles 370 & 35A

It also reiterated its commitment towards annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India, and abrogation of Article 370. A petition challenging constitutionality of Article 35A is pending before the Apex court.

According to the party, the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir. It said: "We believe that Article 35A is an obstacle in the development of the state. We will take all steps to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all residents of the state. We will make all efforts to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits and we will provide financial assistance for the resettlement of refugees from West Pakistan, Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Chhamb."

Expeditious Completion of NRC, Will Implement In Other Parts of Country

About National Register of Citizens, the party says it will expeditiously complete the process. In future we will implement the NRC in a phased manner in other parts of the country, the party says. "There has been a huge change in the cultural and linguistic identity of some areas due to illegal immigration, resulting in an adverse impact on local people's livelihood and employment. We will expeditiously complete the National Register of Citizens process in these areas on priority. In future we will implement the NRC in a phased manner in other pas of the country.", it says.

Ayodhya

Reiterating its earlier stand on Ram Mandir, the party said that it would explore all possibilities within the framework of the Constitution and all necessary efforts to facilitate the expeditious construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 

Simplifying Procedural Laws and Making India the Centre of Arbitration

The party also promises that it will be simplifying procedural laws, encouraging mediation and strengthening judicial and court management system in order to increase accessibility. Making India the centre of arbitration, is yet another promise made. "We will increase the number of Alternative Dispute Resolution forums to ensure avenues for quick disposal of matters. We will also take all necessary steps to make India a hub of arbitration services."

Reservation Policy

BJP also says that it is committed to 33% reservation in parliament and state assemblies through a constitutional amendment. The party said that it will be ensuring that SCs, STs and OBCs continue to have their fair representation, even after EWS reservation.