Maharashtra Polls: MVA Releases Manifesto, Promises Caste Census and Monthly Aid for Women

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition—comprising Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SCP)—unveiled its manifesto for the Maharashtra Assembly elections on Sunday, with Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge leading the launch event in Mumbai. The manifesto outlines ‘five guarantees’ aimed at social and economic welfare, including a commitment to conducting a caste-based census in Maharashtra and removing the 50% cap on reservations.

Key Promises: Mahalaxmi Scheme and Farm Support

The MVA has pledged financial support under the ‘Mahalaxmi Scheme,’ promising a monthly Rs 3000 aid for women and free bus rides for women across the state. Additionally, the opposition alliance vowed to provide a Rs 25 lakh health cover to farmers and waive off farm loans. As an incentive for timely loan repayment, farmers would receive Rs 50,000.

Kharge highlighted these guarantees as measures for comprehensive welfare, stating, “Our five guarantees will benefit all in Maharashtra, including Rs 3000 per month for women and free bus services.” The MVA estimates that each family would receive an annual aid of about Rs 3 lakh under their schemes.

Intensifying Electoral Battle

With Maharashtra’s 288-seat Assembly polls scheduled for November 20 and counting on November 23, the political contest between the MVA and the ruling Mahayuti alliance—consisting of BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP—heats up. The BJP also released its manifesto earlier in the day, presenting 25 commitments for Maharashtra if re-elected.