Wed Nov 06 15:18:35 UTC 2024: ## Maha Vikas Aghadi Launches Campaign in Maharashtra, Targeting BJP and Promising Key Welfare Schemes

**Nagpur, India** – Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, launched the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) election campaign in Nagpur today, marking the beginning of a fierce battle for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Addressing a gathering at Deekshabhoomi, where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism, Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of attacking the Constitution and the voice of India. He emphasized the need for a caste census, highlighting its importance in addressing social inequalities.

The MVA, an alliance of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has set its sights on the electorally crucial Vidarbha region, where the BJP has fielded a significant number of candidates. Gandhi’s visit to the region is seen as a strategic move to counter the BJP’s stronghold.

The alliance is expected to unveil its key poll promises at a “Swabhiman Sabha” event in Mumbai later today. These promises are likely to include a farm loan waiver, a caste census, and a Universal Basic Income scheme, a counter to the Eknath Shinde government’s “Majhi Ladki Bahin” scheme.

The NCP has already released its manifesto for the elections, promising an increase in the “Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana” payout to Rs. 2,100 per month and several other welfare measures. These include raising the Shetkari Sanman Nidhi to Rs 15,000 per year, waiving farmer loans, and providing a 20% additional subsidy for crops sold under MSP. The party has also promised an increase in the old age pension from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 per month.

With the elections looming, the political temperature in Maharashtra is rising. The MVA’s campaign launch and its promise of key welfare schemes are expected to intensify the competition between the alliance and the ruling BJP.

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