Focus on women welfare, food security, health: BJP releases manifesto for Maharashtra elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (Nov 10) released its manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The manifesto was launched by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Ministers Amit Shah and Piyush Goyal and other leaders of the BJP.

The manifesto has promised a total of 25 assurances to the state's people including a focus on women's welfare, food security, and health.

"This manifesto for the great land of Maharashtra is the reflection of people's aspirations. Maharashtra has been the leading state in many areas across different eras," Union Home Minister Amit Shah said during the event.

"I want to say to the people of Maharashtra to choose the Mahayuti government for the third time. There was also a mandate for Mahayuti in 2019, but the artificial government fell, and we formed the government. Mahayuti is unitedly moving forward in the leadership of PM Modi for the welfare of Maharashtra...," Shah added.

What promises has the BJP made in its manifesto?

> For women's welfare, the BJP has promised to give $24.89(Rs 2,100) to women every month. The party has mentioned the goal of making five million women "Lakhpati Didis" by 2027, making $118.5 million available in revolving funds.

> For the elderly, the BJP has promised an increase in pension from $254.79 to $972.94

> When it comes to healthcare, the partyhas promised Vivekananda Youth Health Card and annual health check-ups for young people. A policy for senior citizens with Aadhar-enabled services and dedicated Out Patient Departments.

> "Vision Maharashtra @2028,"the BJP manifesto said, will be presented within 100 days of government formation and the goal is to make Maharashtra a one trillion dollar economy.

>With the promise of investing in Artificial Intelligence, the party has said it aims to make Maharashtra the capital of fintech and AI they will provide opportunities in robotics and AI training through Marathi and Atal Tinkering labs.

> For food security,the BJP has said it would provide free food grains to low-income families through the Akshaya Anna Yojana.

> For rural development,the construction of roads in 45,000 villageshas been promised.

When are the assembly polls in Maharashtra?

Assembly elections in Maharashtra are scheduled to be held on November 20, with votes for all 288 constituencies to be counted on November 23.

The top contenders in the election are the Mahayuti (which includes the BJP, the Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party- Ajit Pawar Faction) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (which includes Congress, Shiv Sena- Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, and NCP- Sharad Pawar Faction).