Aparecium

Spell to: To reveal things 

First recorded use in English is in 1620, in a translation of Paolo Sarpi’s literary work History of the Council of Trent: “They were so farre surprised with his Manifesto, that they would never suffer it to be published.” In the US, manifestos outline plans and policies, unlike many West European countries where they spell out policy choices and their consequent budgetary implications. In Bhutan and Mexico, manifestos require validation by the electoral authority before release. In India, the Election Commission lays down guidelines. 

Lumos 

Spell to: Illuminate 

It was the first elections of the new Republic. On July 13, 1951, Jawaharlal Nehru presented in Bangalore the Congress Working Committee’s draft election manifesto. He said, “...we talk in this Manifesto about the moral and ethical basis of our national life and political action... It is better for us to try to keep our soul, than to win a particular election by devious methods or through dubious persons. A nation’s history is not concluded by one election or another. Ultimately, it is made by the quality of the human material in that nation...” 

Stupefy

Spell to: Knock out an opponent in a duel

In 1989, the National Front replaced the Congress, ushering in an era of coalition politics. Its manifesto spoke of reservations for OBCs, a commitment to “true federalism” and a resolve to “reverse the culture of over centralisation”. The Front collapsed in 1991. The next election, Congress came to power, but every party manifesto that year talked about the need to rejig the economy. The BJP, however, latched on to the Ram Janmabhoomi issue in 1989 and stayed with it every election, except 1999 when it did not issue any. In 1996 it formed the government. There was no 
regret expressed over the Babri demolition in its poll manifesto. 

Alohomora 

Spell to: Unlocks doors

Five states are in the midst of polling. You would be forgiven for mistaking the manifestos for some big-ticket online sale. Whither policy? Freebies rule the roost. Vote for us and get 1 GB data (for college students), 0 per cent interest on loans (for marginal farmers), subsidised tea leaves, ghee and sugar (BJP ke muh mein...) and the unparalleled SAD promise of one lakh acres in the US and Canada to settle farmers.