Ajit Pawar’s NCP releases constituency-specific manifesto, promises to increase financial aid to women and farmers, create 25 lakh jobs

The manifesto proposes waiving farmer loans and providing a 20 per cent additional subsidy for all crops sold under minimum support price (MSP). The NCP, which is part of Mahayuti along with Shiv Sena and the BJP, has also assured paddy farmers of a Rs 25,000 per hectare bonus. The manifesto also promises to increase the old age pension from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 monthly.

In a first, the NCP launched the party’s manifesto for all the Assembly constituencies it is contesting. NCP candidates and local leaders released the poll manifestos in their respective constituencies. NCP national president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar led the release in Baramati, state president Sunil Tatkare released it in Mumbai, and working president Praful Patel released it in Gondiya.

The party’s top leaders joined the manifesto event via video conferencing, and a new campaign song was also launched for the Maharashtra elections.

“We have resolved to build more than 45,000 ‘panand’ roads in rural parts of Maharashtra. This is the biggest plan to develop the rural agricultural infrastructure,” the manifesto reads.

Other promises include a commitment to create 25 lakh jobs and provide monthly stipends of Rs 10,000 to 10 lakh students through training. Other key highlights include a promise of Rs 15,000 monthly salary for Anganwadi and ASHA workers and a commitment to reduce electricity bills by 30 per cent while prioritising solar and renewable energy.

“We vow to implement measures that will curb the prices of essential commodities, making them more affordable for everyone,” reads the manifesto.

In Baramati, Ajit Pawar said, “We will present the ‘New Maharashtra Vision’ within 100 days of government formation. We will increase the amount under Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana from existing Rs 1,500 per month to Rs 2,100 per month.” Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made the same promise on Tuesday during the launch of the Mahayuti campaign in Kohlapur. (https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/in-shindes-10-guarantees-increased-aid-under-ladki-bahin-yojana-9655297/)

Pawar said this initiative will be the largest monthly direct benefit transfer in Maharashtra’s history, providing Rs 25,000 per year in benefits to over 2.3 crore women.

“We vow to implement measures that will curb the prices of essential commodities, making them more affordable for everyone,” reads the manifesto document.

The Maharashtra Assembly elections to elect 288 MLAs will be held on November 20, followed by the counting on November 23.