The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, outlining a series of promises aimed at the state’s development if they are elected for another term.
The manifesto, which was released in Mumbai by key leaders including Amit Shah, details a wide range of initiatives focusing on economic growth, food security, healthcare, education, women’s welfare, and rural development.
A major highlight of the BJP’s manifesto is the ambitious target to make Maharashtra a one trillion-dollar economy by 2028. The party plans to achieve this by investing in various sectors, particularly technology and infrastructure.
Cities like Nagpur, Pune, and Nashik are envisioned as aerospace hubs to boost economic growth. The BJP’s plan to bring ‘Vision Maharashtra @2028’ into action within the first 100 days of forming the government reflects its determination to meet these targets.
One of the key elements of the manifesto is its promise to focus on the welfare of women and families in the state. As part of its commitment to improving women’s financial independence, the party has pledged to provide Rs 2,100 per month to every woman, which amounts to Rs 25,200 annually.
Additionally, the BJP aims to make 50 lakh women financially empowered, with the goal of making them "Lakhpati didis" by 2027. To further support women, the party plans to allocate Rs 1000 crores to revolving funds, helping them start or expand businesses.
For farmers, the BJP has announced a range of measures to alleviate financial burdens. These include loan waivers of up to Rs 15,000 for farmers and a 20% subsidy on Minimum Support Prices (MSP).
The party also promises stability in the prices of essential commodities, ensuring that families are not burdened by inflation. In a bid to improve food security, the BJP plans to provide free food grains to low-income families through the Akshya Anna Yojana, a significant step towards ensuring that no one goes hungry.
Healthcare is another area where the BJP has made bold promises. The party has proposed the introduction of the Vivekananda Youth Health Card, offering annual health check-ups for young people to ensure early detection and prevention of diseases.
For senior citizens, the BJP has promised a policy that includes Aadhaar-enabled services and dedicated outpatient departments. This reflects the party’s focus on creating a more inclusive healthcare system that caters to all age groups.
Education and entrepreneurship are also central to the BJP’s agenda. The manifesto proposes reimbursement of tuition and examination fees for students from marginalised sections, including Other Backward Classes (OBC), Special Backward Classes (SBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT).
The party also plans to provide financial assistance of up to Rs 10,000 to students pursuing higher education. Furthermore, the BJP has pledged to create 25 lakh new jobs, which will help reduce unemployment and boost the economy.
In line with its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, the BJP has promised interest-free loans of up to Rs 15 lakh to encourage the youth to start businesses.
As part of its focus on skill development, the party aims to establish Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Aspiration Centres in every district and conduct a state-wide skill census. These initiatives are designed to ensure that the workforce is prepared for the opportunities emerging from the state’s growing economy.
The BJP has also pledged to invest heavily in technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics. With an eye on transforming Maharashtra into the capital of fintech and AI, the party plans to provide opportunities for training in these fields through Marathi and Atal Tinkering labs. This move is expected to equip the state’s youth with the skills required for the jobs of the future.
Cultural preservation is another key promise made by the BJP. The manifesto includes a proposal to introduce an anti-conversion law to preserve the state’s cultural and religious heritage.
The BJP also promises to focus on the preservation of Maharashtra’s historical forts and other landmarks, ensuring that the state’s rich heritage is passed on to future generations.
For rural development, the BJP has pledged to construct roads in 45,000 villages, improving connectivity and ensuring that rural areas are not left behind in the state’s development. This infrastructure boost will facilitate better access to education, healthcare, and markets for rural communities, contributing to their overall economic growth.