New Delhi: In its manifesto for the Karnataka assembly elections, the BJP has promised to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and also compile a National Register of Citizens (NRC) if it is elected to power.

The manifesto was released by the BJP national president J.P. Nadda on Monday, May 1. It says that a UCC will be implemented "based on the recommendations of a high-level committee to be constituted for the purpose”, according to Indian Express. Promising that an NRC will be compiled, the manifesto claims that it will "ensure speedy deportation of all illegal immigrants in the state”.

In 2022, the BJP's manifesto in states like Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh had also promised to implement the UCC.

Other promises in the manifesto include forming a committee that will grant complete autonomy of temple administration to devotees and “regulating local businesses around temples to create a sustainable temple economy”. The latter point may be an oblique reference to ban Muslims from setting up stalls near temples during fairs, which has been a traditional practice in the state but is opposed by Hindutva groups.

The saffron party's manifesto is has promises under six categories: Anna (food security), Abhaya (social welfare), Akshara (education), Aarogya (health), Abhivrudhhi (development) and Aadaaya (income), according to IE.

The party also promises to provide half a litre of milk from the state run Nandi dairy brand to families that are below the povery line (BPL). The assurance comes after the BJP was forced to back down from a merger of Nandini with Amul in late 2022. However, recently Amul has announced plans to enter the state, the opposition has raked up the issue.

According to IE, the BJP says it will provide three LPG cylinders free per year to BPL families.

The Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] released its manifesto a few days ago, while the Congress is expected to release it on Tuesday.

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