Election Manifesto as defined by the Black's law dictionary is "A formal written declaration, promulgated by a prince, or by the executive authority of a state or nation, proclaiming its reasons and motives for declaring a war, or for any other Important international action(1) . an essential tool for political parties to communicate their vision, ideas, and proposed policies to the electorate. Manifestos are documents that outline the agenda of a political party, including its plans and policies for governance.

In India, election manifestos are critical documents that play a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the outcome of elections. Political parties make a range of promises and commitments in their manifestos, and voters use these documents to evaluate and compare different political options (2).

However, election manifestos can also have a significant impact on the law and order and constitutional framework of the country. This article will explore the relationship between Indian election manifestos and their impact on law and order , the constitution and the economy .

Indian Election Manifestos

Elections are an integral part of India's democratic process. Political parties use these documents to outline their vision for the country and their proposed policies. A manifesto usually contains a set of promises and commitments on various issues such as governance, economy, foreign policy, social welfare, national security, etc. The Electoral Commission of India (ECI) has provided guidelines for political parties to follow when preparing their electoral platforms. These guidelines emphasize the need to make realistic and workable promises that political parties can carry out when they come to power(3).

To circumvent the obligations to implement them (the measures that political parties put forward in their election manifestos to improve the state of the nation and the various promises made to them in their respective election manifestos), or explain their non-implementation A flimsy justification for being voted out in the next/next election if the ruling party at election time does not carry out the promises made in the election manifesto. But those who make this seemingly rational argument seem fully aware and confident that voters in countries like India can easily be fooled.

The advantage for the party and the disadvantage for the poor/voters is that they are easily duped by the party due to ignorance, illiteracy and inability to assess the party's performance during previous reigns in power. put away. Other parties that never had the chance to take power are now in power, looking back and saying that they cannot guarantee that the plans/programs contained in the election manifesto will be implemented because they are not part of the government political party(4) .

The Impact on Law and Order

Law and order is one of the key areas political parties typically cover in their election manifestos. This is not surprising, as maintaining law and order is one of the state's primary duties. Political parties use manifestos to outline plans to improve law and order in the country, an issue that matters to most voters.

The impact of electoral programs on Indian law and order can be observed in many ways. First, manifestos can influence the policies and strategies pursued by political parties once they come to power. A manifesto usually contains a detailed plan to improve law and order. This includes measures such as strengthening police forces, creating special courts to speed up trials, and increasing the use of technology to prevent and detect crime. When political parties come to power, they are expected to implement these policies, which can have significant legal and regulatory implications.

Political parties often make promises related to the justice system, including changes to the criminal justice system, police reforms, and measures to improve public safety. For example, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promised to implement a range of measures to improve law and order, including the creation of a national police university, the establishment of fast-track courts to handle cases of crimes against women and children, and the introduction of stricter punishments for crimes such as rape(5) .

Second, manifestos can also influence public perceptions and expectations of law and order. Political parties use election manifestos to highlight the country's legal and regulatory challenges and their plans to address them. These manifestos have been widely distributed through various media channels and widely discussed in election campaigns.

As a result, they can shape public opinion and influence what voters expect from the ruling party. The Indian National Congress (INC) promised to create a new ministry of justice and establish a judicial commission to appoint judges(6). The party also pledged to increase the number of police personnel and improve their training, as well as to create a national crime database to help law enforcement agencies better track and solve crimes.

However, there are concerns about the feasibility and implementation of some of these promises. For example, the creation of a national police university would require significant resources and infrastructure, and it is unclear whether the government has the capacity to implement such a measure. Similarly, the establishment of fast-track courts and stricter punishments for crimes may require changes to the existing legal framework, which can be a time-consuming and complex process.

Third, the manifesto can also influence the party's legislative agenda. Political parties use manifestos to set legislative priorities and propose changes to existing laws or new laws to address specific issues. This may have a direct impact on the legal framework of the country, which in turn may affect the legal and regulatory framework of the country.

Note, however, that manifesto law and order implications are not always straightforward. Manifests often contain promises and suggestions that are difficult or impossible to carry out in practice. For example, a political party may promise to eradicate crime completely or create a society free of corruption, but in practice it may not be feasible. The manifesto's impact on law and order therefore hinges on the ability of political parties to deliver on their promises.

Moreover, the effectiveness of electoral programs in shaping policy and practice also depends on the broader policy context in which they are developed and implemented. Political parties may face significant challenges in implementing policies such as: Resistance of other political parties, bureaucratic obstacles, or financial bottlenecks. These challenges can limit the manifesto's impact on law and order, even when political parties have the political will to deliver on their promises.

The Impact on the Constitution

The Constitution of India is the basic law of the country and sets out the framework of the government, the basic rights of citizens and the obligations of the government. It is the supreme law that governs the country and guides all other laws of the country. The constitutional impact of an election manifesto can be significant, as political parties often make promises to influence the fundamental principles of the constitution. This article discusses the impact of electoral programs on the Constitution(7) .

The Constitution of India is based on the principles of democracy, equality, liberty and secularism. The Constitution provides for a parliamentary government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial powers. The Constitution also provides for fundamental rights such as rights to equality, rights to liberty, rights against exploitation, rights to religious freedom, cultural and educational rights, and rights to constitutional appeal. The Constitution also establishes principles that guide state policy, guidelines for the government to achieve social, economic, and political justice for all citizens(8).

An election manifesto is a document issued by a political party before an election that sets out its promises and plans should it come to power. These manifestos often contain promises that may have constitutional implications. For example, in the 2019 parliamentary elections, the BJP pledged to repeal Article 370 of the constitution, which gave Jammu and Kashmir a special status. That promise came true in August 2019, when the government lifted Jammu and Kashmir's special status and divided the state into her two federal territories(9) .

Similarly, in the 2019 elections, lawmakers pledged to repeal the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which the party said was discriminatory against Muslims. The CAA is seeking to grant citizenship to non-Muslim refugees who arrived in India before December 2014 from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The law has been widely criticized for discriminating against Muslims and violating the constitution's secular principles. considered.

Election programs can also influence the Constitution by influencing the appointment of judges in the Higher Judiciary. The government is responsible for appointing the Supreme Court and Supreme Court judges. In recent years, there have been allegations that political parties have sought to influence the appointment of judges according to their political agenda, which could have significant implications for the independence of the judiciary, a fundamental principle of the constitution. In addition, electoral programs can affect government functioning and law enforcement. Political parties often promise to enact new laws or amend existing laws when they come to power.

The implementation of these laws can affect the functions of government and the rights of citizens. For example, in the 2014 House of Commons elections, the BJP pledged to introduce fair compensation and transparency rights in the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act to replace the Land Acquisition Act of 1894. The new law has been criticized for being good for business and undermining the rights of farmers and other land owners.

The Impact on Economy

Election programs are not only a collection of political pledges by political parties, but also have a significant impact on a country's economy. In India, election manifestos play an important role in shaping the country's economic policy, as political parties often use them as a platform to outline their future economic vision(10) . The promises made in these manifestos can have both positive and negative economic impacts, depending on the feasibility of the proposals and the party's ability to implement them if elected.

One of the ways election programs affect the economy is through their impact on investor sentiment. If the party's program includes policies deemed investor-friendly, it can increase confidence in the economy and attract more domestic and foreign investment. For example, in the 2014 House of Representatives election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) included in its manifesto several business-friendly proposals such as tax simplification, liberalization of foreign investment, and infrastructure improvements. These promises were seen as a positive move to improve business in India and helped boost investor confidence.

On the other hand, if a political party's program includes policies considered anti-corporate, this can negatively affect investor sentiment and discourage investment. For example, in the upcoming election , a Party "M" proposed the introduction of a minimum income guarantee. The proposal could hurt the economy, raising concerns about its potential impact on the country's budget deficit and inflation.

Election affairs can also affect the economy through their impact on public spending. Political parties often promise to increase spending in various sectors such as education, health care and infrastructure to attract voters(11) . While these promises may be popular with voters, they can have a significant impact on the country's budget deficit and debt, which could affect the economy. It can lead to voter disappointment and loss of trust in government.

The Case of Subramaniam Balaji (12)

The issue of freebies went to the Supreme Court, and in announcing the manifesto for the 2006 general election, Dravida Munnetra Kazagam (DMK) advocated free color TV for every household if a political party/alliance came to power. announced plans to distribute The Applicant has made a written application to the Madras High Court on the grounds that the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the State Government for its implementation are unauthorized, unacceptable and transcendent of its constitutional obligations. was The High Court dismissed the claim and the matter was brought before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court's Chamber ruled that the manifesto's promises could not be read under Section 123 of the People's Representation Act of 1951.Corruption declared an act. However, we cannot rule out the reality that the distribution of freebies of all kinds will undoubtedly affect everyone and greatly undermine free and fair elections.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the legislative branch has limited powers to mandate legislation in specific regions. The Supreme Court also ruled that the state's distribution of leniency in the form of color televisions, laptop computers, etc. to qualified individuals is directly related to the guiding principles of state policy. Therefore, it cannot be said that the transfer of such goods is not expenditure for public purposes.

In the absence of statutes directly regulating the content of election manifestos, the court directed the Election Commission to develop guidelines for election manifestos issued by political parties. These can be included in the code of conduct model. The court also ruled that Congress must enact another law. In fact, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal against the decision of the Madras High Court, even though instructions were given.

Furthermore, election manifestos can also impact the economy by influencing the priorities of the government. If a party wins the election and implements the promises made in its manifesto, it can have a significant impact on the country's economic policies. For example, the BJP government's implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 was a major economic reform that was promised in its 2014 election manifesto. The GST has had a significant impact on the economy, both positive and negative, and has changed the way businesses operate in the country.

The Role of the Election Commission of India on Handling Elections and Manifestos(13)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional body responsible for overseeing the entire electoral process in India, from the conduct of free and fair elections to the monitoring of political parties and their activities. It has a vital role in ensuring that the electoral process in India remains transparent, efficient, and accountable. One of the most critical responsibilities of the ECI is to regulate the election manifestos of political partis(14) .

The ECI has released several guidelines for political parties regarding the contents of their election manifestos. These guidelines aim to ensure that the election manifestos of political parties do not contain any content that may promote enmity or hatred between different communities, religions, castes, or regions. In 2013, the ECI issued a notice to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for violating these guidelines in its election manifesto for the assembly elections in Delhi. The ECI held that the BJP had included certain discriminatory and derogatory statements in its manifesto, which violated the model code of conduct and the guidelines issued by the ECI.

In addition to regulating the contents of election manifestos, the ECI also monitors the expenses incurred by political parties during election campaigns. Political parties are required to submit their election expenses to the ECI within a specific time frame, and the ECI can take appropriate action against any party that exceeds the expenditure limit or fails to submit the expenditure details on time. This helps to prevent the misuse of money in elections and promotes transparency and accountability.

The ECI also plays a crucial role in handling complaints related to violations of the model code of conduct by political parties during election campaigns. The model code of conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the ECI to regulate the conduct of political parties during elections. It aims to ensure that political parties do not engage in any activity that may interfere with the conduct of free and fair elections. The ECI has the power to take action against any political party that violates the model code of conduct. Such actions may include reprimanding the party, filing a criminal case, or disqualifying the candidate.

In recent years, the ECI has taken several steps to improve the regulation of election manifestos and the conduct of political parties during elections. For example, it has introduced a system of pre-certification of political advertisements on television and radio to prevent the spread of hate speech and misinformation during election campaigns. The ECI has also made it mandatory for political parties to provide details of their criminal cases against them, if any, in their election affidavits(15) .

Conclusion
Election manifestos are an important tool for political parties to communicate their vision and policies to the electorate. But sometimes you might get instances when leaders don't give a damn about their manifesto as said by a forman politician from Haryana 'I can't tell you how many elections I have fought but I can assure you I have never read a single manifesto!'(16)

They can shape policy, influence public perceptions and expectations, and influence legislative priorities. However, its actual effectiveness will depend on many factors, including the feasibility of the proposal, the wider political context, and the political will of the parties in power. Despite these challenges, the manifesto remains an important vehicle for political parties to articulate their vision and plans for the country and will continue to play a key role in shaping Indian politics for the foreseeable future. prize.

Political parties often make promises to influence fundamental constitutional principles such as secularism, democracy and equality. Fulfilling these promises can affect the functioning of governments and the rights of citizens. It is imperative that political parties commit to upholding constitutional principles and striving towards the achievement of social, economic and political justice for all citizens.

They can influence investor sentiment, public spending, and the priorities of the government, and can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. While political parties often use manifestos as a tool to attract voters, it is important to ensure that the promises made are feasible and can be implemented effectively. Moreover, it is equally important for the government to keep the promises made in the manifesto and work towards achieving the goals outlined, in order to maintain the trust of the voters and ensure sustainable economic growth.

The Election Commission also plays a crucial role in ensuring that election manifestos do not contain any material that may harm the democratic fabric of the country. However, the role of the Election Commission in monitoring election manifestos has been a subject of debate. Some argue that the Commission's power to disqualify candidates or deregister parties based on the content of their manifestos may infringe on their right to freedom of speech and expression. Others argue that the Commission's powers are necessary to ensure that election manifestos do not contain any material that may harm the democratic fabric of the country

In conclusion, election manifestos play a crucial role in Indian politics, as they provide a roadmap for political parties to articulate their vision and agenda to the voters. However, the impact of election manifestos on law and order, the Constitution, and the economy depends on the political will of the ruling party to implement its promises.

Citations:

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4. Supra
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11. Ahluwalia, Isher Judge, and I. M. D. Little. "The Impact of Economic Manifestos on the Indian Economy." In Economic Reforms in India, edited by V. V. Bhatt and D. R. Bhatt, 225-237. New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publications, 2000.
12. (2013) 9 SCC 659
13. Election Commission of India. Election Commission of India, accessed March 28, 2023, https://eci.gov.in/.
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15. Goswami, Naveen. "Regulation of Election Manifestos in India: A Critical Analysis." International Journal of Innovative Research & Development, vol. 6, no. 7, July 2017, pp. 29-34.
16. Kanchan Chandra, The Great March of Democracy: Seven Decades of India's Elections (Viking, 2019).