Maharashtra Elections: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections in Mumbai, focusing on ambitious development goals and financial support for various demographics.
The BJP’s 'Sankalp Patra' promises a comprehensive plan aimed at promoting growth and addressing citizens' needs, with a strong emphasis on rural development, employment generation, and financial assistance:
- Farm Loan Waivers: Pledges to alleviate the debt burden of farmers through loan waivers.
- Monthly Allowances for Women: Financial support of ₹2,100 per month for women.
- Pension Increase for Seniors: Enhancement of monthly pensions for senior citizens from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100.
- Anganwadi Worker Benefits: Salaries of ₹15,000 per month and insurance coverage for Anganwadi workers.
- Fertilizer GST Refunds: Farmers to receive GST refunds on fertilizers to ease their financial burden.
The BJP plans to implement 'Vision Maharashtra @2028' within 100 days of assuming power, targeting the state to become a $1 trillion economy. Key proposals include:
- Development of AI and Aerospace Hubs: Plans to develop Nagpur, Pune, and Nashik as centres for artificial intelligence and aerospace industries.
- Expansion of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme: The scheme, currently benefiting 11 lakh women, aims to reach 50 lakh women by 2027, promoting financial empowerment.
- Skill Census: A comprehensive assessment of job market demands and workforce skills to create employment opportunities.
- Interest-Free Industrial Loans: Zero-interest loans up to ₹25 lakh to encourage industrial growth and entrepreneurship.
Amit Shah highlighted the manifesto's commitment to economic stability and food security. Promises include measures for:
- Price Stabilisation: Market interventions to maintain stable prices for essential commodities.
- Bavantar Yojna: Compensation for farmers if their crops are sold below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), safeguarding agricultural profits.
Amit Shah noted that the manifesto reflects the aspirations of the people of Maharashtra. He stated, “BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ manifesto for November 20 Maharashtra assembly polls reflects aspirations of people of the state. Maha Vikas Aghadi's schemes are formed in the greed of power; it is appeasement and an insult to ideologies.”
He praised Maharashtra's historical significance, mentioning, “Maharashtra has been the leading state in many areas across different eras... We talked farmers', poor's welfare, there are schemes proposed for women empowerment.”
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar reiterated the Mahayuti government’s achievements, claiming significant GSDP growth under their leadership. Mungantiwar described the manifesto as "dedicated to the people of Maharashtra."
The Congress has also outlined its key promises in its manifesto released on November 6. Highlights include:
- Financial Support for Women: ₹3,000 per month for women and free bus travel under the Mahalakshmi Yojana.
- Farmer Loan Waivers: Up to ₹3 lakh with a ₹50,000 incentive for regular repayment.
- Caste-wise Census and Reservation Policies: Promises a caste census and the removal of the 50% reservation limit.
- Youth Support: Health insurance up to ₹25 lakh and a monthly assistance of up to ₹4,000 for unemployed youth.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on November 20, with results set to be announced on November 23. In the 2019 elections, BJP secured 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, and Congress 44.
