Maharashtra elections: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'Sankalp Patra' (manifesto) for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 in Mumbai. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, Union Minister Piyush Goyal and other leaders of the party were present at the occasion.
Amit Shah's speech at manifesto launch
After releasing the BJP manifesto in Mumbai, Shah said that BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly polls reflects the aspirations of the people of the state.
Attacking the opposition, the Home Minister said that Maha Vikas Aghadi’s promises insult ideology and promote appeasement. "We are contesting against Maha Vikas Aghadi...Maha Vikas Aghadi's schemes are formed in the greed of power, it is appeasement and an insult to ideologies," said Shah.
Shah criticised Congress for failing to fulfil pre-election promises in states where it currently governs. He also claimed that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, consisting of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), lacks credibility, reiterating the BJP's commitment to reliable governance in Maharashtra.
He further said that the BJP will not allow religion-based reservations in the country.
Questioning Uddhav Thackeray, Shah challenged, "Can Uddhav Thackeray request Rahul Gandhi to speak two good words about Veer Savarkar? Or get any Congress leader to say something appreciative about Balasaheb Thackeray?"
BJP’s Sankalp Patra (election manifesto) for the upcoming state assembly elections:
Addressing the launch, Fadnavis said that the BJP manifesto for assembly elections is a roadmap for making the 'Viksit Maharashtra for Viksit Bharat'. "Our Home Minister Amit Shah is present here. I welcome you all as we release BJP's manifesto (Sankalp Patra). It is a matter of happiness for us, we work with the motivation of PM Modi. His plans will be implementing on the ground with this manifesto. Our Home Minister Amit Shah, who gives strength to us, and also stands with us, is releasing the manifesto for the elections," he said.
- Skill census will be conducted in Maharashtra
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Aakanksha Kendra will be built
- Swami Vivekananda Fitness Card will be launched
- Shiv Kaalin Gadh and forts will be promoted
- Focus on the underprivileged, farmers, and women
Promises made in manifesto
Employment and education for youth
The BJP manifesto promises to create employment opportunities for 25 lakh youth over the next five years and plans to establish Maharashtra's first AI University. Apart from this, it promises financial support to students, offering Rs 10,000 per month, and proposes a Rs 2,100 monthly allowance under the Ladli Yojana. The manifesto also outlines plans to open skill centers aimed at enhancing youth employability and skill development.
Promise to hike old-age pension, wave farmers' loan
The BJP manifesto pledges to increase the old-age pension from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 and promises a loan waiver for Maharashtra's farmers. Additionally, it outlines new initiatives for soybean farmers. The manifesto promises Bhavantar Yojana for farmers and an interest-free loan of Rs 15 lakh to SC/ST/OBC groups.
It also outlines a plan to empower 50 lakh women as 'Lakhpati Didis,' increasing financial independence among women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, it pledges an MSP increase of Rs 6,000 specifically for soybean farmers and an expansion of the free ration scheme to reach more beneficiaries.
Conversion laws and electricity bill
BJP has said in its manifesto that strict laws will be brought to stop conversion. Apart from this, there will be a 30 per cent discount on electricity bills.
The BJP has also promised that 25000 women police personnel will be recruited. Asha workers will get 15,000 per month. An extensive road network is planned for 45,000 villages. Under the Shetkari Samman, farmers would be supported with Rs 15,000 monthly.
Maharashtra elections
The Assembly polls in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on November 20. The votes for the state will be counted on November 23. The BJP is keen to retain power in Maharashtra along with allies Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena 56, and the Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, the Shiv Sena 63, and the Congress 42.
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