On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections, scheduled for November 20. The event, held in Mumbai, was attended by senior party leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Mumbai BJP President Ashish Shelar, and Union Minister Piyush Goyal.
Senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, who led the manifesto committee, emphasized the BJP’s commitment to Maharashtra’s development, highlighting the achievements of the Mahayuti government. “This manifesto is dedicated to the people of Maharashtra. Under our leadership, the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has seen significant growth. Our double-engine government has been key in improving road infrastructure and adding highways to enhance connectivity,” Mungantiwar said. He further affirmed the party’s vision for a five trillion dollar Indian economy and vowed to fulfill all promises made in the manifesto.
The manifesto, described as a “vision document,” includes initiatives like Mission Olympics 36, support for farmers, the ‘Ladki Behen Yojana,’ and healthcare improvements. Amit Shah spoke at the event, stating, “The BJP’s manifesto is a true reflection of the aspirations of the people of Maharashtra. This state has always led in social reform and independence, and we honor its legacy through this manifesto, focusing on respecting farmers and empowering women.”
Shah also highlighted the government’s commitment to a safe and secure Maharashtra, while taking a jab at the opposition, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. He posed a challenge to Uddhav Thackeray, asking, “Can he convince Rahul Gandhi to speak positively about Veer Savarkar or any Congress leader to appreciate Balasaheb Thackeray?”
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis echoed Shah’s sentiments, presenting the manifesto as a roadmap for Maharashtra’s development. “We have prepared a report card of the BJP’s achievements and outlined 25 key promises, including the Ladki Behen Yojanas and farm loan waivers. The Bhavantar Yojana will allow farmers to access better prices, and once the Model Code of Conduct ends, we will transfer funds directly to their accounts. Additionally, we are committed to regulating prices for essential medicines and medical devices and generating employment for 25 lakh people,” Fadnavis said.
The Congress had released its own manifesto for the Maharashtra elections on November 6. Voting for all 288 constituencies will take place on November 20, with counting set for November 23.