In a bid to woo voters ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Ajit Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Deputy Chief Minister, on Wednesday launched his party’s manifesto, outlining an ambitious set of promises aimed at enhancing the state’s agricultural, social, and economic landscape. Pawar’s vision largely echoes the 10 guarantees announced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the Mahayuti rally in Kolhapur, reinforcing a strong agenda for development and welfare.
Key Highlights of the NCP Manifesto
The NCP manifesto includes several major proposals designed to address the needs of farmers, women, youth, and workers. A few of the standout promises include:
- Farmers’ Welfare:
- A Rs 25,000 per hectare bonus for paddy farmers, in addition to the already existing schemes for agricultural support.
- A complete loan waiver for farmers, aiming to alleviate the debt burden faced by the state’s agricultural community.
- An increase in the Shetkari Samman Nidhi to Rs 15,000 per year from the current Rs 12,000, through combined support from both the central and state governments.
- Women’s Empowerment:
- The NCP has proposed a significant increase in the Ladki Bahin Yojana monthly financial benefit to Rs 2,100, up from Rs 1,500, which would result in an annual benefit of Rs 25,000 for over 2.3 crore women in Maharashtra.
- Rural Development:
- As part of its rural infrastructure development plans, the party promises to build 45,000 ‘panand’ roads in rural areas, aimed at improving connectivity and boosting agricultural productivity.
- Employment and Youth:
- The NCP has vowed to create 2.5 million new jobs across various sectors.
- The manifesto also promises a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 for one million students undergoing vocational training to enhance their employability.
- Worker Welfare:
- Anganwadi and ASHA workers will see an increase in their wages, with a proposed monthly salary of Rs 15,000.
- The manifesto also highlights plans to reduce electricity bills by 30%, focusing on renewable energy solutions, especially solar power.
Ajit Pawar’s Address and Manifesto Highlights
Speaking virtually from Baramati, Ajit Pawar expressed his commitment to implementing these promises. “The NCP stands firm in its resolve to ensure the economic upliftment of every section of society. These guarantees are designed to reduce the cost of living, create jobs, and ensure a brighter future for Maharashtra’s women, youth, and farmers,” he said.
Notably, the NCP’s manifesto includes promises to waive farm loans and provide additional subsidies for crops sold under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme. The party also aims to curb inflation and make essential commodities more affordable for all sections of society.
Ladki Bahin Yojana, one of the flagship initiatives, is highlighted as the largest monthly Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme in Maharashtra’s history, directly benefitting millions of women. “This initiative is not just financial support but a testament to our commitment to women’s empowerment,” said Pawar.
Constituency-Specific Manifestos
In addition to the state-level promises, the NCP also unveiled constituency-specific manifestos for each of the Assembly seats it is contesting. These documents focus on the unique needs of individual constituencies, ensuring that the party’s agenda resonates with local issues.
The manifesto was formally launched at several events across the state. Ajit Pawar released the manifesto in Baramati, while NCP’s state president Sunil Tatkare unveiled it in Mumbai, and working president Praful Patel launched it in Gondiya.
Echoing CM Shinde’s 10 Guarantees
Interestingly, Pawar’s manifesto closely mirrors the 10 guarantees announced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the Mahayuti rally in Kolhapur. Among these, the promises to provide financial aid to farmers, the creation of jobs, and the focus on women’s welfare were repeated in both the NCP and Mahayuti manifestos.
The convergence in guarantees has sparked discussions about the emerging political landscape in Maharashtra, with the NCP appearing to align its agenda with Shinde’s government on crucial welfare issues, while offering a unique spin with additional promises, particularly around job creation and women’s empowerment.
A Clear Path Forward
As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, Ajit Pawar’s manifesto offers voters a clear and compelling vision for the future, positioning the NCP as a party committed to development, welfare, and social justice. Whether these promises will resonate with the electorate remains to be seen, but the NCP’s strategic blend of continuity and innovation has certainly set the stage for an engaging political contest in the state.
