Promises Unveiled: As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for November 20, with results expected on November 23, both major alliances—the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Mahayuti—are deploying strategic promises to capture voter attention. Both the BJP and Congress, prominent players in these alliances, recently released their manifestos, highlighting a strong focus on women, youth, and farmers.
Emphasis on Women’s Welfare
In a bid to appeal to women voters, both the BJP and Congress have launched ambitious plans aimed at financial empowerment and welfare. The BJP has introduced the “Ladki Behan Yojana”, which promises a monthly stipend of ₹2,100 for women. Meanwhile, the Congress has countered with the “Mahalakshmi Yojana”, under which they pledge ₹3,000 per month.
Promises Unveiled: In addition to direct financial support, the BJP has proposed hiring 25,000 female police officers and offering a salary of ₹15,000 per month for Anganwadi and ASHA workers. Congress, however, has outlined benefits focusing on women’s health and child welfare, including a two-day menstrual leave policy for female employees and a commitment to deposit ₹1 lakh in a bank account for each newborn girl child. These proposals aim to address women’s welfare holistically, from economic empowerment to health and family support.
Support for Farmers
Promises Unveiled: Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers, both parties have introduced separate debt relief schemes. The BJP has committed to relieving farmers’ debt, while Congress has pledged to support timely repayment with incentives. Under Congress’s plan, farmers who pay interest on time will receive ₹50,000, and the party has promised to cover outstanding loans up to ₹3 lakh. These measures seek to provide stability and financial relief to Maharashtra’s agricultural sector.
Job Creation and Youth Empowerment
Both parties have also made extensive promises for Maharashtra’s youth. The BJP has committed to creating 2.5 million jobs, along with providing a monthly tuition allowance of ₹10,000 to support education. Congress, on the other hand, has proposed unemployment assistance of ₹4,000 per month and pledged to fill 250,000 vacant government positions. These promises target both immediate financial support and long-term career opportunities for young voters, who represent a significant demographic in the state.
Additional Benefits and Incentives
Beyond these main areas, both parties have made further pledges to attract various voter groups. Senior citizens are promised increased pensions, and the cost of electricity bills is expected to drop by 30% under certain proposed plans. These additional promises create a highly competitive election landscape in Maharashtra, where the public’s support could hinge on these targeted benefits.
As the election date nears, it remains to be seen which party’s promises will resonate most with Maharashtra’s electorate and tip the scales in this closely watched political contest.
