Maharashtra CM lists ten promises in first Mahayuti poll rally at Kolhapur
The ruling alliance pledges to boost assistance for women, farmers, pensioners, and ASHA workers. They commit to a farm loan forgiveness program, higher minimum support prices, reduced electricity costs, increased employment opportunities, and counter criticism from the Opposition regarding industrial investments.
Among the ten commitments made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to be fulfilled if the ruling Mahayuti retains power in the State, are increased assistance for underprivileged women, pensioners, and farmers. This pledge was announced during the ruling coalition’s inaugural rally in Kolhapur on Tuesday, November 5th.
Mr. Shinde announced that the Ladki Bahin program and senior citizen pension support will see a raise to ₹2,100 per month from the existing ₹1500. Additionally, the monthly support for farmers will be upped to ₹15,000 from the current ₹12,000, in addition to a 20% subsidy on top of the minimum support price (MSP) granted to farmers. Furthermore, the Chief Minister pledged a scheme for waiving farm loans and the extension of the Shetkari Samman Yojana, all while ensuring the stabilization of essential commodities’ prices.
Enjoy more employment opportunities while experiencing reduced electricity costs.
The monthly salaries of ASHA workers are set to rise to ₹15,000, accompanied by enhanced security benefits. Furthermore, the Chief Minister has pledged to generate 25 lakh employment opportunities and offer monthly educational grants of ₹10,000 to 10 lakh students.
Mr. Shinde pledged a 30% reduction in electricity bills through investments in renewable energy infrastructure. Additionally, his infrastructure plans encompass the construction of pandan roads leading to 45,000 villages and providing housing for all individuals requiring it.
Mr. Shinde stated that significant transformations would occur in the first 100 days of taking office if the Mahayuti is re-elected to power.
Champions industrial achievement
During his speech at the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized the Opposition for excessively showcasing Gujarat’s progress figures, overlooking the fact that Maharashtra contributes 52% to India’s overall investments. He outlined various initiatives introduced under the current administration, emphasizing the establishment of industries in Pune, Sambhaji Nagar, and Nagpur by the Mahayuti government. Among the programs highlighted were the Ladki Bahin scheme and discounted bus fares, among others, specifically designed for women by the present government.
Mr. Fadnavis criticized the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for their call for initiatives to safeguard women, alleging that MVA members disparaged the Ladki Bahin scheme. He asserted that measures are underway against individuals who harm women and reassured that women will receive protection in the land of Shivaji. Furthermore, he emphasized the necessity for protection from politicians belonging to the MVA.
Assistance provided to agricultural workers
Mr. Fadnavis announced that the Mahayuti has introduced a crop insurance program and provided free electricity to farmers. In order to address the issue of flooding in Kolhapur and Sangli, measures will be implemented to redirect surplus water to drought-affected regions. The government has sought assistance from the World Bank to support these initiatives.
These commitments stated during the inaugural joint rally of the coalition hold weight, particularly in light of MVA leaders’ claims that the Union government is transferring projects from Maharashtra to Gujarat, with the Mahayuti seemingly turning a blind eye to this pattern.
On November 6, a rally in Mumbai will feature MVA leaders along with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
