MVA Unveils Manifesto for Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024.

Mumbai: On Sunday, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Presented by key MVA leaders, including Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, the manifesto highlighted ‘five guarantees’ for the state. One of the major promises was the conduction of a caste census. The MVA coalition consists of Congress, Shiv Sena (led by Uddhav Thackeray, UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar. The launch event in Mumbai saw prominent leaders, such as NCP’s Supriya Sule, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, Congress election in-charge for Maharashtra Ramesh Chennithala, State Congress Chief Nana Patole, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sanjay Raut and Arvind Sawant.

Among the promises made, the MVA’s manifesto includes conducting a caste-based census and removing the 50% cap on reservations. The party also introduced the Mahalakshmi Yojana, which would provide free bus travel for women and financial assistance of Rs 3,000 per month. Additionally, the MVA has pledged farm loan waivers and health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh for farmers. Speaking at the launch, Kharge said, “Our five guarantees aim to benefit all people in Maharashtra. Each family will receive an annual assistance of around Rs 3 lakh, and women will get Rs 3,000 every month through Mahalakshmi Yojana. We will also launch free bus services for women.”

Kharge further announced that farmers who repay loans on time would be eligible for Rs 50,000 in assistance. With the elections for the 288 Assembly seats approaching, the political rivalry between the MVA and the Mahayuti alliance is intensifying. Earlier in the day, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also released its manifesto, promising 25 pledges for another term in power. Voting will be held on November 20, with vote counting on November 23.

The MVA manifesto promises the Mahalakshmi Scheme, offering Rs 3,000 monthly to all women, along with an annual aid of Rs 3 lakh per family to reduce economic strain. The manifesto also includes a commitment to free bus services for women across Maharashtra, underlining the alliance’s focus on women’s empowerment.

The manifesto prioritizes farmers by offering Rs 50,000 to those who repay loans on time, aiming to ease debt and encourage timely repayments. Addressing youth unemployment, Kharge pledged a monthly stipend of Rs 4,000 for job-seeking youth to assist them in their job search.

Healthcare also received significant attention, with Congress vowing to introduce a comprehensive health insurance scheme providing up to Rs 25 lakh per individual. This initiative is inspired by a similar program launched in Rajasthan under Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The MVA also committed to providing free medications to ensure accessible healthcare for all.

Kharge highlighted the importance of social equity, stating that the Congress would pursue a caste census and work to remove the 50% cap on reservations, aiming for a more inclusive Maharashtra, akin to the policies in Tamil Nadu.

The Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held on November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.