NEW DELHI, April 22 -- Manifestoes, the political blueprints that outline the vision, policies, and promises of political parties, play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of a nation's democracy.

At their core, they serve as a contract between political parties and the electorate, laying out the party's agenda and commitments if elected to power. They provide voters with a roadmap for governance, offering insights into the party's priorities, policies, and proposed reforms. In this sense, these serve as a crucial tool for informed decision-making, enabling voters to evaluate competing visions and hold political parties accountable for their promises.

Looking back at historical manifestoes, we find echoes of visionary documents sha...