BJP releases manifesto for Maharashtra Elections: Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Sunday unveiled the BJP’s manifesto ‘Sankalp Patra’ for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, promising to create 25 lakh jobs for the state’s youth over the next five years. He also announced plans to increase the Ladki Bahin Yojna allowance from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 and pledged a loan waiver for farmers. Describing the manifesto as a blueprint for Maharashtra’s development, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the BJP’s vision is to create a “Viksit Maharashtra for Viksit Bharat.” With just 12 days remaining until the Assembly polls, the political battle between the Mahayuti (BJP-led alliance) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (opposition coalition) is entering its final stages.

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BJP’s Poll Promises:

Skill Census: A comprehensive skill census will be conducted to evaluate the demand and supply of jobs in the private sector, aiming to create more employment opportunities.

Lakhpati Didi Scheme Expansion: The BJP plans to extend the “Lakhpati Didi” scheme, which currently benefits 11 lakh women, to 50 lakh women, empowering them financially.

Fertilizer GST Refund: Farmers will receive a refund of the GST paid on fertilizers, easing their financial burden.

Interest-Free Loans for Industry Growth: The government will offer zero-interest loans up to Rs 25 lakh to boost industrial development.

Increased Pension for Senior Citizens: The monthly pension for elderly citizens will be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 to provide better financial support.

Farm Loan Waivers: Farmers will benefit from loan waivers to alleviate their debt burdens and support agricultural growth.

Bavantar Yojna: This scheme will provide compensation to farmers whose crops were sold below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), ensuring fair prices for their produce.

Price Stabilization for Essentials: Measures will be introduced to maintain stable prices for essential commodities through market interventions.

After releasing the manifesto, Shah accused the Maha Vikas Aghadi of undermining ideology and encouraging appeasement through its promises. He also criticised the Congress for not fulfilling its pre-election commitments in the states it governs, questioning its reliability. He also targeted the MVA alliance, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP (led by Sharad Pawar), claiming that it lacks credibility. The minister went on o highlight the BJP’s commitment to providing stable and dependable governance in Maharashtra. Additionally, he reaffirmed that the BJP would oppose any efforts to introduce religion-based reservations in India.