The choice on offer
A Narendra Modi administration would believe more in decentralisation than would a Rahul Gandhi administration
Both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) manifestos are now out. They, along with the speeches by the leaders of the two parties, provide the basis for the comparison of likely administrations under them.
There is agreement between the two sides on objectives: both would like to rapidly end poverty, illiteracy and ill health and modernise India. But the preferred policy instruments markedly differ.
The BJP manifesto largely reflects the view articulated by Narendra Modi in his numerous speeches in the last two months. He argues that growth and social spending it makes possible are for all citizens and actively opposes discrimination based on religion citing the Constitution. Therefore, he is likely to rely first and foremost on growth and development to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and ill health.
Mr Modi firmly believes in building highways, railways, cities and universities to modernise India and to create jobs that would empower people to access housing, education and health. In assessing schools for recognition, he emphasises performance outcomes instead of inputs norms. In the provision of health, he gives wellness priority over illness and hence seeks enhanced public health measures.