Union Minister Amit Shah released the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) ‘Sankalp Patra’ manifesto for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled for November 20, in Mumbai on Sunday. During the launch, Shah outlined several key promises, including the creation of 25 lakh jobs for youth in the next five years. He also pledged to increase the allowance under the Ladki Bahin Yojna from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 and announced a loan waiver for farmers, emphasizing the BJP’s focus on welfare and employment.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with other senior BJP leaders, was present at the manifesto launch. Fadnavis described the BJP’s manifesto as a roadmap for transforming Maharashtra into a “Viksit Maharashtra” (developed Maharashtra) as part of the vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India). The manifesto is a crucial part of the BJP’s campaign as the state prepares for elections, with promises aimed at boosting economic growth, improving social welfare, and addressing youth unemployment.
Amit Shah also made a sharp political statement, criticizing the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for what he described as a “politics of appeasement” and for making unfulfilled promises in states where it currently holds power. He particularly criticized the Congress for not honoring its pre-election pledges, claiming the MVA lacked credibility. Shah further asserted that the BJP would not allow religion-based reservations in the country, taking a firm stance on issues related to reservations and social justice.
In his address, Shah also took aim at Uddhav Thackeray, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, questioning whether Thackeray could urge Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to speak positively about Veer Savarkar, a prominent freedom fighter. This pointed remark highlighted the ideological divide between the BJP and its rivals, as the party continues to assert its position on national and regional issues ahead of the elections.
