The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially released its manifesto for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2024, laying out a series of ambitious promises aimed at benefiting the state’s grassroots population. Among the major proposals is a direct annual deposit of Rs 25,000 into the bank accounts of every woman in Maharashtra. In addition, under the Kisan Samman Yojana, farmers will see their annual support increased to Rs 15,000, up from the current Rs 12,000.
The manifesto also includes promises for senior citizens, with a proposed monthly pension of Rs 2,100, equating to an annual sum of approximately Rs 25,000. The BJP has also outlined plans to support education, with a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 for one lakh students across the state. As part of its rural development focus, the BJP plans to improve infrastructure by building water roads in 45,000 villages, enhancing connectivity and access to resources.
Rural Development and Education Focus
For workers in rural areas, particularly Anganwadi and Asha workers, the BJP has committed to raising their monthly salary to Rs 15,000. Additionally, the Mahayuti government has already removed farmers’ agricultural electricity pump bills and plans to further reduce electricity costs by 30%, with an emphasis on promoting solar energy solutions.
The BJP’s vision extends to the future of Maharashtra’s economy. Within 100 days after the election, the party plans to unveil “Vision Maharashtra 2029,” a roadmap to transform the state into a trillion-dollar economy. Technology will play a crucial role in this vision, with plans to connect cities like Nagpur, Pune, and Nashik through initiatives like “Make in Maharashtra,” which will leverage artificial intelligence to boost industrial growth.
Economic Development and Technological Innovation
In terms of agricultural support, the BJP has promised a guaranteed price of Rs 6,000 per quintal for soybeans, alongside concessions on fertilizers through State and Goods and Services Tax (GST) reductions. To further empower women, the party proposes the creation of a Rs 1,000 crore revolving fund to support self-help groups, with the goal of turning 50 lakh women into “lakhpati didis” (millionaire women) over the next three years.
Additionally, free food grains will be provided to poor families through the Akshay Anna Yojana. The BJP has also pledged to introduce robotics and AI training programs for students in government schools, with initiatives like the Maharathi and Atal Tinkrig Lab schemes. A skill census will be conducted across Maharashtra to ensure skill development aligns with industry demands.
Empowering Women and Youth
A major highlight of the BJP’s manifesto is its plan to create one million entrepreneurs through the establishment of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Aspiration Centers in every district. Furthermore, the party aims to fully waive education and examination fees for students from economically disadvantaged categories, such as OBCs, SEBCs, ECs, EWS, and VJNT groups.
In health, the BJP has promised the issuance of Swami Vivekananda Youth Health Cards and annual health check-ups for youth and senior citizens alike. The manifesto also emphasizes the preservation of Maharashtra’s historic forts and the introduction of Aadhaar-enabled services in government hospitals to improve senior citizens’ welfare.
Social Welfare and Legal Protections
The BJP’s manifesto also outlines a strong stance on social issues, including the implementation of laws to prevent forced conversions and address fraudulent conversions. Additionally, the party has pledged to use modern technology to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, aiming to minimize fatalities caused by wild animals. The welfare measures span multiple communities, targeting women, youth, senior citizens, farmers, and marginalized groups.
This comprehensive manifesto reflects the BJP’s commitment to inclusive growth, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, education, and technology, while ensuring that social justice and welfare remain central to the party’s policy agenda. As the party prepares for the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, these promises serve as a framework for their vision of a prosperous and equitable Maharashtra.