The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, promising a total of 25 major assurances if elected to power for another term. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, launched the manifesto, titled ‘Sankalp Patra’, in Mumbai. The manifesto reflects the aspirations of the people of Maharashtra, said Shah, while stressing the BJP’s commitment to growth, welfare, and stability in the state.
BJP’s Vision for Maharashtra: ‘Sankalp Patra’ Overview
The ‘Sankalp Patra’ is a blueprint for the development of Maharashtra, containing 25 key promises that aim to address various issues across the state. From improving the welfare of farmers and senior citizens to boosting economic growth through technological innovation, the manifesto attempts to cater to a broad spectrum of needs and expectations. The BJP aims to create a prosperous, inclusive, and empowered Maharashtra by 2029.
Top 25 Assurances in the BJP Manifesto
1. Ladki Bahin Yojana: Empowering Women
Under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, the BJP promises to increase financial assistance to women from INR 1,500 to INR 2,100 per beneficiary. The initiative also includes financial literacy training to ensure women become financially independent. Additionally, 25,000 women will be inducted into the police force across Maharashtra, enhancing women’s participation in law enforcement and ensuring safety in the community.
2. Farmer Loan Waiver and Increased Support
The manifesto pledges a loan waiver for farmers to ease their financial burdens, along with an increase in support under the Kisan Samman Yojana from INR 12,000 to INR 15,000 annually. To further support farmers, a price support scheme will be introduced, aligned with the Minimum Support Price (MSP), covering price variations of up to 20%.
3. Food and Shelter for the Poor
The BJP promises to provide food and shelter to all underprivileged individuals in Maharashtra. This initiative aims to alleviate poverty by ensuring basic necessities like food and housing for those in need, thus supporting the government’s goal of an inclusive society.
4. Old Age Pension Increase
The Old Age Pension will be increased from INR 1,500 to INR 2,100 per month, offering greater financial security and dignity to senior citizens. The BJP aims to create a senior-friendly environment in Maharashtra where the elderly can lead comfortable and independent lives.
5. Stabilizing Prices of Essential Goods
To combat inflation, the BJP promises to stabilize the prices of essential items, ensuring affordability for all citizens. This measure seeks to protect households across Maharashtra from market fluctuations that could otherwise erode their purchasing power.
Supporting Education and Employment
6. Monthly Stipend for Students and Job Creation
A monthly stipend of INR 10,000 will be provided to 10 lakh students across Maharashtra to support their education and ease financial burdens on families. Furthermore, the manifesto includes a commitment to create 25 lakh jobs in the state, focusing on youth employment and skill development.
7. Infrastructure for Agriculture: Farm Tracks
Farm tracks will be constructed across 45,000 villages in Maharashtra, aiming to provide better infrastructure for farmers. The BJP plans to enhance agricultural productivity and ease of transport for agricultural goods, ensuring farmers have better access to markets.
8. Honorarium for Anganwadi Workers and ASHA Sevaks
The BJP manifesto promises a monthly honorarium of INR 15,000 for Anganwadi workers and ASHA Sevaks. Additionally, these workers will receive insurance coverage, ensuring financial security and well-being for those who serve as frontline healthcare and childcare workers.
9. Reducing Electricity Bills and Promoting Renewable Energy
The BJP aims to reduce electricity bills by 30%, focusing on expanding solar and other renewable energy sources. This policy aims to promote sustainable energy while also making electricity more affordable for consumers.
10. Vision for Maharashtra’s Economy: Aiming for $1 Trillion by 2028
The BJP has set an ambitious goal for Maharashtra to become a $1 trillion economy by 2028. This commitment reflects the party’s vision to transform Maharashtra into an economic powerhouse, driven by innovation, industry, and technology.
11. Vision Maharashtra 2029: 100-Day Plan
Within the first 100 days of forming the Government, the BJP plans to present ‘Vision Maharashtra 2029’. This comprehensive plan will outline the roadmap for the state’s long-term development, addressing issues ranging from infrastructure and healthcare to education and employment.
Technological Advancement and Industrial Growth
12. ‘Make in Maharashtra’ and Tech Hubs
To position Maharashtra as a global leader in technology, manufacturing, and innovation, the BJP promises to implement the ‘Make in Maharashtra’ policy, aimed at strengthening Maharashtra’s manufacturing sector. The manifesto also includes the establishment of Maharashtra as the global capital for fintech and artificial intelligence (AI). The country’s first dedicated AI university will be set up to foster research, innovation, and development in the field of AI.
13. Aerospace Hubs Across Major Cities
The BJP intends to develop Nagpur, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ahilyanagar, and Nashik as modern aeronautical and space production centers, establishing them as advanced aerospace technology and manufacturing hubs. This initiative will drive technological growth and attract investment to the state.
14. Enhancing Farmers’ Income
To increase farmers’ income, the BJP plans to provide rebates on the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) paid on purchased fertilizers. Additionally, a dedicated value chain for soybean production will be established, ensuring a minimum price of INR 6,000 per quintal for soybeans.
Women Empowerment and Skill Development
15. Creating 50 Lakh Lakhpati Didis by 2027
The BJP aims to create 50 lakh lakhpati didis (wealthy women entrepreneurs) by 2027. To achieve this, an industrial cluster will be established for every 500 self-help groups, with an initial revolving fund of INR 1,000 crore. This initiative will foster entrepreneurship among women in Maharashtra.
16. Free Ration Under Akshay Anna Yojana
Under the Akshay Anna Yojana, families from low-income groups will receive free rations, including rice, jowar, groundnut oil, salt, sugar, turmeric, mustard, cumin, and red chili powder. This initiative aims to improve food security and nutrition for economically weaker sections.
17. Robotics and AI Learning Opportunities
The BJP promises to introduce the ‘MAHARATHI (Maharashtra Advanced Robotics and AI Training Hub Initiative)—ATL (Atal Tinkering Labs) Yojana’, offering Robotics and AI learning opportunities in all state government schools. This initiative will help Maharashtra’s students develop essential skills for the future.
18. Skill Census for Workforce Planning
A Skill Census will be conducted in Maharashtra to analyze skill gaps based on industry needs. The census will help in planning for the availability of a skilled workforce, ensuring alignment between educational outcomes and industry requirements.
Entrepreneurship and Support for Marginalized Communities
19. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Akanksha Kendra
The BJP will establish Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Akanksha Kendra in every district to create 10 lakh new entrepreneurs. These centers will offer co-working spaces and incubation facilities where students, professionals, and entrepreneurs can connect, network, and promote innovative concepts.
20. Interest-Free Loans for Marginalized Entrepreneurs
Interest-free loans of up to INR 15 lakh will be provided to entrepreneurs from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and other backward classes. This initiative will promote entrepreneurship and economic development among marginalized communities.
21. Fee Reimbursement for OBC and Other Categories
Eligible students from the OBC, SEBC, EWS, NT, and VJNT categories will receive reimbursement of tuition and examination fees. This measure aims to ensure that higher education is accessible to all deserving students, irrespective of their financial background.
22. Swami Vivekananda Youth Health Card
The Swami Vivekananda Youth Health Card will be launched for annual health check-ups of youth aged 18 to 35. Additionally, a permanent scheme for Nashamukt-Vyasanmukt (drug-free) Maharashtra will be implemented to promote the well-being of young people.
Cultural Heritage and Senior Citizen Welfare
23. Fort Development Authority for Preserving Heritage
Maharashtra is home to many ancient and historical forts, which are symbols of the state’s glory. To preserve and promote this cultural heritage, a Fort Development Authority (FDA) will be established. The BJP aims to restore the historical and cultural significance of these forts for future generations.
24. Senior Citizens First Policy
The BJP promises a ‘Senior Citizens First’ policy, which includes Aadhaar-enabled service delivery to ensure automated services for senior citizens. Additionally, for all senior citizens aged 80 and above, arrangements will be made to deliver requested documents such as health records, identification papers, and pension-related documents directly to their homes. Dedicated outpatient departments (OPDs) for senior citizens will also be established in all government hospitals.
25. Law Against Forced Religious Conversions
To ensure the protection of religious freedom, the BJP will enact a strict law against forced and fraudulent conversions. This measure aims to protect individuals from coercive and deceptive religious practices, ensuring their right to choose their faith.
26. Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation
To prevent the loss of life and property caused by wildlife such as tigers, leopards, elephants, nilgai, wild boars, and monkeys in agricultural and human settlement areas, modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and radio collars will be effectively utilized. This approach aims to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
From economic development and technological innovation to social welfare and cultural preservation, the manifesto outlines a vision for an inclusive and prosperous state. By focusing on empowering marginalized communities, supporting farmers, providing opportunities for women and youth, and fostering entrepreneurship, the BJP aims to transform Maharashtra into a leading state by 2029. As the elections approach, the people of Maharashtra will be looking at how well these promises resonate with their aspirations and how effectively they can be implemented in reality.
