BJP promises to improve economy, end slowdown

Improving India's economy and infrastructure and fighting corruption are among the main issues outlined in the BJP manifesto set to be released Monday, party sources said Sunday.

The manifesto, which is being released on the first day of polling, will not be telecast on television channels as per the directive of the Election Commission.

"Improving the economic situation, and ending the slowdown are the highlights of our manifesto. Congress's misrule has left the nation in shambles and recovering from that is the main issue as mentioned by (party's prime ministerial candidate) Narendra Modi several times," a party source said.

Setting up 100 "smart cities", more IITs and IIMs and infrastructural growth are the other promises set out in the manifesto, sources added.

According to sources, differences between top party leaders were responsible for the delay, but party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad had earlier said that the delay was a "logistical issue".

"The delay was caused as senior party leaders were busy campaigning," Prasad said.

Modi is likely to be present at the manifesto release.