Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Releases Manifesto for Maharashtra Assembly Polls, Promises Key Welfare Schemes
Mumbai: The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance released its much-anticipated manifesto for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections on November 10, outlining a range of welfare promises aimed at benefiting women, farmers, youth, and marginalized communities. The manifesto, titled Maharashtranama, includes several populist and progressive proposals to address social, economic, and gender-related issues in the state.
Key Highlights of the MVA Manifesto:
- Women’s Health and Empowerment:
- Free cervical cancer vaccines for girls aged 9 to 16.
- Two optional leave days for women employees during menstruation.
- Six cooking gas cylinders annually at Rs 500 each for women.
- Rs 1 lakh to girls on attaining the age of 18 years.
- Formation of a dedicated ministry for child welfare and enforcement of the Shakti Law for women’s and children’s safety.
- Social and Economic Welfare:
- Introduction of a caste-based census to understand the socio-economic position of different communities.
- Rs 50,000 incentive for farmers who repay loans regularly, and a debt waiver for up to Rs 3 lakh.
- Review of existing farmer welfare schemes and support for widows and children of farmers who have committed suicide.
- Creation of a Youth Commission and a monthly allowance of Rs 4,000 for unemployed graduates and diploma holders.
- Creation of 2.5 lakh government jobs and a new industrial policy to promote MSMEs.
- Governance and Transparency:
- A dedicated department for the empowerment of self-help groups.
- Plans to curb corruption and reduce infrastructure costs to make more funds available for public welfare.
- A monthly electricity bill waiver of up to 100 units for consumers using up to 300 units per month.
- Support for Sanitation Workers:
- Establishment of a welfare corporation for both organized and unorganized sanitation workers, ensuring better working conditions and benefits.
- Public Safety and Welfare:
- Introduction of a Nirbhay Maharashtra policy for women’s safety.
- Measures to control the rising prices of essential commodities.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, along with NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, addressed the media during the manifesto launch. Kharge emphasized that the alliance was committed to implementing these promises if they came to power, referencing the success of similar initiatives in Karnataka. He also pointed out that the MVA’s populist promises were driven by a commitment to social security and welfare, not by electoral calculations.
In addition, Kharge reiterated that funds would be available for these initiatives by curbing corruption and inefficiencies in governance, particularly in infrastructure projects. He also dismissed accusations that the MVA’s promises were aimed at vote bank politics, instead framing them as part of a broader ideology focused on uplifting the marginalized sections of society.
The manifesto sets the stage for a high-stakes election, with the MVA aiming to challenge the ruling Mahayuti alliance with a focus on inclusivity, welfare, and social justice. The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with the results to be announced shortly after.
