In Maharashtra, Ruling Alliance’s 10 Guarantees Vs Opposition’s “Panch Sutra”

Wed Nov 06 18:47:18 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Election Heats Up With Rival Parties Showering Promises

With just two weeks left before the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the political climate is abuzz with promises from both the ruling alliance, Mahayuti, and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. Both sides have released their manifestos, each packed with ambitious pledges, especially targeting women, farmers, and young voters.

The Mahayuti is wooing voters with their “10 Guarantees,” promising:

* **Women:** Increase in Ladli Behan Yojana benefits to Rs 2,100 and 25,000 women to be deployed in police force.
* **Farmers:** Loan waiver, increased Kisan Samman Yojana payout to Rs 15,000 per year and 20% MSP subsidy.
* **Elderly:** Old-age pension increase to Rs 2,100 per month.
* **Consumers:** Stable prices for essential commodities.
* **Youth:** 25 lakh jobs, education allowance of Rs 10,000 per month and training for 10 lakh students.
* **Others:** Anganwadi and Asha worker salary hike to Rs 15,000 with insurance, 45,000 connecting roads in rural areas, 30% reduction in electricity bills, and completion of Vision Maharashtra 2029 within 100 days.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi counters with their “Panchsutra” (five promises):

* **Women:** Mahalaxmi Yojana offering Rs 3,000 per month and free bus travel.
* **Farmers:** Loans up to Rs 3 lakh and Rs 50,000 incentive for timely repayment.
* **All citizens:** Caste-based census with attempts to remove the 50% reservation limit.
* **All citizens:** Health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh and free medicines.
* **Youth:** Financial assistance of up to Rs 4,000 per month for unemployed youth.

The Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, has been seen wielding a copy of the Constitution, highlighting the “Constitution in danger” narrative that resonated with voters during the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP, however, has countered this by claiming the Constitution book was blank, calling it an insult to Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

With both parties vying for power, the election promises continue to flow. The outcome of this heated battle will ultimately be decided by the voters of Maharashtra.