As Maharashtra gears up for its 2024 assembly elections, both the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and the Mahayuti alliance have launched their campaigns with promises aimed at attracting key voter bases, including women, young people, and farmers. Leaders of both alliances took to the stage on Wednesday, setting the tone for what promises to be a high-stakes electoral battle.
Maha Vikas Aghadi’s Women-Centric Promises
At a major rally in Mumbai, MVA leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, unveiled a “five-point plan” focused on social welfare and economic support. One of the key promises is the “Mahalakshmi Scheme,” which would credit ₹3,000 directly to women’s bank accounts each month, designed to counter the ruling alliance’s Ladki Bahin scheme. Additionally, MVA has pledged free bus travel for women across Maharashtra.
Speaking at the rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP-led government, saying, “The BJP government has increased inflation and unemployment. Therefore, our first guarantee is to give ₹13,000 to women and provide them free bus service.” This focus on women-centric schemes is a clear attempt by the MVA to secure support from female voters.
Promises for Farmers and Agricultural Reforms
MVA’s agenda also includes substantial promises for farmers. NCP leader Sharad Pawar introduced the “Krishi Samruddhi Yojana,” which promises a farm loan waiver of up to ₹3 lakh for farmers. Additionally, farmers who repay loans on time would receive a ₹50,000 incentive. Pawar, recalling his past tenure as agriculture minister, stated, “When the Maha Vikas Aghadi comes to power, we will launch the Krishi Samruddhi Yojana with a farm loan waiver. This will ensure financial relief to farmers burdened by debt.”
Pawar further accused the government of corruption, particularly targeting the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue construction project, claiming, “Those involved in corruption, even in the construction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue, have insulted him and his legacy.” These statements underscore the MVA’s intent to address both the economic and ethical concerns of Maharashtra’s rural populace.
Shiv Sena’s Pledge to Control Essential Food Prices
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray added that, if MVA comes to power, they will implement price controls on essential food items, including sugar, pulses, and grains, to ease the burden of inflation on households. He also committed to building temples dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj throughout the state, positioning his party as a defender of Maharashtrian cultural heritage.
Mahayuti’s Competing Promises
Meanwhile, the Mahayuti alliance has been making parallel promises aimed at young voters and women, showcasing its own array of incentives. Although specific details of Mahayuti’s plans were not announced at the MVA rally, both alliances are expected to go head-to-head, particularly over social welfare schemes that target women, farmers, and young people.
Focus on Inclusive Development and Welfare
MVA leaders consistently addressed the issues facing marginalized communities, including Dalits, tribals, and backward-class voters, during their speeches. The alliance’s campaign strategy appears to center on creating an inclusive development agenda that appeals to a wide demographic range, including those most affected by rising inflation and unemployment.
As the campaign season unfolds, both the MVA and Mahayuti alliances will likely continue to make competing promises and mobilize their bases, setting the stage for an intense electoral showdown in Maharashtra. The promises made to women, farmers, and young voters highlight a clear attempt by both alliances to appeal to the groups that could ultimately determine the outcome of the election.