With the Maharashtra Assembly elections fast approaching, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—an alliance of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction)—is gearing up to release a list of “poll guarantees” aimed at bolstering its appeal to key voter groups. Scheduled for unveiling at a joint rally in Mumbai on November 6, these guarantees are expected to spotlight significant issues, including a farm loan waiver and a caste census.
The proposed “guarantees” seek to offer a strong alternative to the BJP-led Mahayuti government’s initiatives, such as the popular “Meri Ladli Bahna Yojana,” a scheme introduced to support women. Reports suggest that the MVA’s “poll guarantees” will address core economic and social concerns for the electorate, particularly farmers and disadvantaged communities, with a total of 5-8 such promises expected.
Key Issues and Election Strategy
The MVA’s focus on a farm loan waiver is particularly aimed at providing relief to the agricultural community, which has been significantly affected by debt-related challenges and fluctuating crop prices. Additionally, the proposal for a caste census aligns with calls for increased social justice measures, as it aims to gather data to ensure better resource allocation and representation for various social groups.
In a high-profile event at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), top MVA leaders—including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray—are expected to address a massive gathering. Speaking ahead of the event, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole emphasized that these guarantees represent a unified vision for the state under the MVA.
The Broader Electoral Landscape
As the countdown begins for the November 20 elections in Maharashtra’s 288-member assembly, both the MVA and the BJP-led coalition are ramping up their efforts. The Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), and Shinde-led Shiv Sena, is campaigning on a “double engine ki sarkar” platform, promoting the benefits of having the same ruling party at both state and central levels.
The deadline for filing nominations closed recently, with a total of 7,995 candidates submitting 10,905 nominations for the elections. In terms of seat distribution within the MVA, Congress will contest 103 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) 89, and NCP (Sharad Pawar) 87, with six seats allocated to other MVA allies.
As the MVA prepares to announce its final list of “poll guarantees,” Maharashtra’s voters will soon have a clearer picture of the competing visions for the state’s future and the promises being made by each party.
