BJP’s Maharashtra poll manifesto promises financial aid boost for women, AI hub plan, and essential goods price control

Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the BJP's poll manifesto or ‘Sankalp Patra,’ in Mumbai today, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and Union Minister Piyush Goyal.

Maharashtra heads to the polls on November 20, with the Mahayuti ruling coalition of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP (Ajit Pawar) aiming to retain power in what is anticipated to be a closely contested election.

"Maharashtra has been leading the country in every field for many ages. Once upon a time, when there was a need, the Bhakti movement also started from Maharashtra, the movement for freedom from slavery was also started by Shivaji Maharaj from here, the social revolution also started from here and the reflection of the aspirations of the people of Maharashtra is seen in our Sankalp Patra," he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

At the manifesto launch, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the Mahayuti government has focused on uplifting the dignity of farmers, the poor, and women, with the manifesto reflecting Maharashtra’s aspirations.

Shah criticized the Opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar), accusing them of unfulfilled promises.

"Even Congress leaders acknowledge they should think carefully before making promises because they often fail to deliver, as seen in states like Himachal, Telangana, and Karnataka. The people trust the Mahayuti's commitments," he said.

The BJP's manifesto promises to increase the monthly support under the Ladki Bahin Yojana from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100, enhance loan waivers for farmers, ensure food security, and improve housing if re-elected.

It also proposes raising the old-age pension to Rs 2,100 per month and stabilizing essential commodity prices.

Other key pledges include creating 25 lakh new jobs, offering a Rs 10,000 stipend for 10 lakh students, developing roads in over 45,000 villages, and reducing power bills by 30% with renewable energy initiatives.

Under the ‘Vision Maharashtra @2028’ initiative, to be outlined within 100 days of forming the government, the BJP aims to grow Maharashtra’s economy to $1 trillion, building on its 2022-23 GSDP of $435 billion.

The manifesto also highlights plans to make Maharashtra a fintech and AI hub, positioning cities like Nagpur, Pune, and Nashik as aerospace centers.

For women, the BJP pledged to help 50 lakh women become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ by 2027.

It also promises AI training in government schools, a skills census, financial aid for disadvantaged students, health insurance for all, and support for entrepreneurs.

The manifesto further includes a proposed law against forced conversions and pledges to use technology to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.