Maharashtra Assembly Elections: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently released its manifesto for the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, laying out an ambitious roadmap focused on rural development, social welfare, and economic empowerment. Key promises include an annual deposit of Rs 25,000 for women, expanded financial support for farmers through an increased payout of Rs 15,000 under the Kisan Samman Yojana, and a monthly pension of Rs 2,100 for senior citizens.Rural development and education initiativesA significant emphasis is placed on rural advancement, with plans to construct “water roads” across 45,000 villages, aimed at enhancing communication and infrastructure in these areas. To support grassroots workers, the BJP commits to a Rs 15,000 monthly salary for Anganwadi and Asha workers, essential figures in rural healthcare and education.The manifesto also pledges a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 to 100,000 students, supporting higher education and skill development. Farmers have benefited from waived electricity bills on agricultural pumps, and the party proposes a further 30% reduction in future electricity bills, with a shift towards solar energy.Technological and economic advancementsThe BJPs “Vision Maharashtra 2029” initiative is designed to transform Maharashtra into a trillion-dollar economy by leveraging technology. Plans to connect cities like Nagpur, Pune, and Nashik through artificial intelligence projects under “Make in Maharashtra” are highlighted. Economic support extends to soybean farmers, who are guaranteed a price of Rs 6,000 per quintal, alongside tax concessions on fertilizers.For womens empowerment, the BJP promises a Rs 1,000 crore revolving fund to support self-help groups, aiming to create 50 lakh “lakhpati didis” in three years. Furthermore, the manifesto promises one million new entrepreneurs through district-based Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Aspiration Centers.Social welfare and skill developmentThe manifesto includes health initiatives, with the Swami Vivekananda Youth Health Card and annual health check-ups for both youth and senior citizens. BJP also commits to free food grain distribution through the Akshay Anna Yojana, conservation efforts for Maharashtras historical forts, and laws to prevent fraudulent conversions.The partys manifesto emphasises inclusive growth across all sections of society, aiming to foster prosperity while addressing social and economic disparities.
