Bharat Express

Maharashtra Elections: BJP’s Promises Law Against Forced Conversion, Skill Census, And Free Ration

The manifesto, titled Sankalp Patra-24, includes the MahaYuti alliance’s “10 Guarantees” announced last week by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Maharashtra Elections: BJP's Promises Law Against Forced Conversion, Skill Census, And Free Ration

Calling it a roadmap for state’s development, the BJP released its manifesto on Sunday for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. As the major partner in the MahaYuti alliance, BJP outlined several promises aimed at benefiting diverse sections of society.

The manifesto pledges a strict law against forced and fraudulent religious conversions. It also promises free rations for low-income families under the Akshay Anna Yojana, and a rebate on State GST for farmers purchasing fertilizers. Additionally, soybean farmers would receive a minimum support price of Rs 6,000 per quintal, and the Bhavantar Yojana will cover any gap between the MSP and farmers’ selling prices.

To support entrepreneurs, BJP has promised Rs 15 lakh in interest-free loans for SC, ST, and OBC groups. For students in OBC, SEBC, EWS, NT, and VJNT categories, tuition and examination fees will be reimbursed. The party also plans to conduct a Skill Census to identify industry-based skill gaps and launch MAHARATHI-ATL for further analysis.

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The manifesto, titled Sankalp Patra-24, includes the MahaYuti alliance’s “10 Guarantees” announced last week by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Among these are an increase in financial aid for women beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a farm loan waiver, and an increase in old age pensions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the manifesto, emphasizing that it addresses all sections of society and aims to accelerate Maharashtra’s development. He added that each MahaYuti partner—the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—will release individual manifestos. After the election, a committee will select high-priority promises from these documents for implementation.

BJP has also set a target for Maharashtra to become a $1 trillion economy by 2028, with a vision to make the state a hub for Fintech and AI. Nagpur, Pune, and Nashik are planned as new aerospace hubs. The party also aims to create 50 lakh “Lakhpati Didis” by 2027 through industrial clusters for every 500 self-help groups, backed by a Rs 1,000 crore fund.

The manifesto promises other initiatives, including the establishment of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Akanksha Kendra in each district to create 10 lakh new entrepreneurs. The BJP also plans a Swami Vivekananda Youth Health Card for annual health checkups, a Fort Development Authority to preserve Maharashtra’s heritage, and the adoption of a Senior Citizens First policy. Aadhaar-enabled service delivery would ensure automated services across the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s manifesto, calling it a “sthagiti” (stay) document, implying it would only block the welfare schemes planned by the MahaYuti government if elected to power.