Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the BJP's manifesto, 'Sankalp Patra', ahead of the November 20 elections in Maharashtra on Sunday. The BJP has promised to create 25 lakh jobs for the state's youth over the next five years, increase the Ladki Bahin Yojna allowance from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 and a loan waiver for farmers.
Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, Union Minister Piyush Goyal and other leaders of the party were present at the occasion. Fadnavis described the manifesto as a blueprint for Maharashtra's development. He said the BJP's vision is to create a "Viksit Maharashtra for Viksit Bharat." The Sankalp Patra also promised efforts to provide AI training in government schools, a skill Census and support to entrepreneurs.
Skill Census: A comprehensive skill census will be conducted to evaluate the demand and supply of jobs in the private sector, aiming to create more employment opportunities.
Lakhpati Didi Scheme Expansion: The BJP plans to extend the “Lakhpati Didi” scheme, which currently benefits 11 lakh women, to 50 lakh women.
Fertilizer GST Refund: Farmers will receive a refund of the GST paid on fertilizers, easing their financial burden.
Interest-Free Loans for Industry Growth: The government will offer zero-interest loans up to Rs 25 lakh to boost industrial development.
Increased Pension for Senior Citizens: The monthly pension for elderly citizens will be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 to provide better financial support.
Farm Loan Waivers: Farmers will benefit from loan waivers to alleviate their debt burdens and support agricultural growth.
Bavantar Yojna: This scheme will provide compensation to farmers whose crops were sold below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), ensuring fair prices for their produce.
Price Stabilization for Essentials: Measures will be introduced to maintain stable prices for essential commodities through market interventions.
BJP Will Not Allow Religion-Based Reservation: Shah
After releasing the manifesto, Shah said the BJP will not allow religion-based reservations in the country. He asked the people of Maharashtra to choose 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, the MVA's campaign is grappling with internal contradictions," he said.
Shah asked Uddhav Thackeray whether he could request Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to speak a few "good words for Veer Savarkar".
"I want to ask Uddhav Thackeray whether he can request Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to speak a few good words for Veer Savarkar, or if any Congress leader can speak well with respect for Balasaheb Thackeray. Promises made in our manifesto get implemented," Shah said.