As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition—comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SCP), PWP, SP, and others—has outlined ambitious promises aimed at swaying voter support. In a strategic move, the MVA is set to announce a complete farm loan waiver for all farmers in Maharashtra, alongside a direct monthly transfer of ₹3,000 for women from economically weaker sections. These pledges, positioned as key welfare measures, are expected to be formally announced at the MVA’s first joint election rally in the coming days.
Both initiatives will feature prominently in the MVA’s election manifesto, presenting them as pivotal promises if the coalition secures power in Maharashtra. The proposed direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme is projected to impose a significant financial burden on the state exchequer, with an estimated cost of ₹85,000 crore, according to reports from The Free Press Journal. The cost of the farm loan waiver, however, is still being assessed but is anticipated to surpass ₹1 lakh crore. This substantial investment in social welfare, according to political analysts, could potentially reshape the electoral landscape in favor of the MVA.
The announcement comes in response to the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti government’s Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which was rolled out two months ago. One MVA leader shared insights on the coalition’s reaction to the government’s DBT scheme, admitting initial confusion. “At first, we questioned the state’s financial viability to support such a scheme, but later recognized the value of DBT as a meaningful aid. We ultimately came together to propose a more impactful plan that goes further to address the needs of the people,” the leader said.
Maharashtra has a history of ambitious welfare schemes, including previous farm loan waivers and promises of free electricity for farmers. However, past programs faced challenges in execution, with many farmers reporting they did not receive the benefits as intended. With advancements in digitization and access to farmers’ bank account data, the MVA believes these schemes can now be implemented with greater transparency and efficiency.
The MVA is aiming for maximum visibility for the announcements, requesting the presence of all coalition leaders at the rally. With the assembly elections nearing, this high-stakes welfare plan reflects the coalition’s commitment to addressing voter priorities and potentially reclaiming political ground in Maharashtra.