BJP's manifesto or Modi-festo? Last minute changes behind delay, say sources

New Delhi: The BJP will release its manifesto for the general election on Monday, the day India starts voting for a new government in a process spanning nine days. (BJP to share manifesto on Monday, the day voting begins)

Sources say the manifesto release has been delayed as Mr Modi and several top leaders of the party wanted the document drafted by veteran leader Murli Manohar Joshi to be tweaked to provide "greater clarity and sharper focus."

Mr Modi, say BJP sources, wants the manifesto to showcase themes that he has talked about in his "Vision for 2014" speech at a party conclave in January. These include economic revival, growth, agriculture and balanced development for all. (BJP manifesto release draws scrutiny from Election Commission)

The BJP's prime ministerial candidate has made development in Gujarat - the state he has ruled since 2001 - the centre-piece of his campaign for power at the Centre.

At a meeting of the party's top decision-making body, the parliamentary board on Monday, some leaders reportedly said the manifesto resembled a laundry list of promises. It was decided then to make the 60-page draft "lean and mean."

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With a new slogan of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (participation of all, development for all), the manifesto is also expected to showcase Mr Modi's promise of power-on-demand and 100 smart cities.

Opinion polls say Mr Modi, 64, is the frontrunner for the country's top job.

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The BJP has officially attributed the manifesto delay to the fact that its leaders are busy campaigning.

The BJP and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS, are reportedly also discussing how to address demands for greater emphasis on the campaign for a Ram temple at a disputed site in Ayodhya.

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In his nine-month campaign, Mr Modi has trumpeted his development mantra and stayed away from references to any pro-Hindu agenda. The Ayodhya temple campaign was almost a passing mention in the BJP's 2004 and 2009 manifestos.

The ruling Congress party released its manifesto on March 26, pledging to create millions of jobs and new social schemes if it is voted back into power for a third consecutive term. (Don't go by opinion polls, says Sonia Gandhi as Congress releases manifesto)