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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its 25-point manifesto for the upcoming Maharashtra state assembly elections, outlining key promises aimed at attracting voters. The manifesto, dubbed 'Sankalp Patra 2024,' was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Mumbai and encompasses a wide range of policies targeting various segments of society.
One of the most prominent promises in the BJP's manifesto is the enactment of a stringent anti-conversion law. This law, which aims to combat forced and deceitful conversions, has been a major talking point in recent years and has been implemented or proposed in several Indian states. The BJP's commitment to implementing such a law in Maharashtra signals its intention to address concerns related to religious conversions.
Another key focus of the manifesto is skill development. Recognizing the importance of aligning education with industry needs, the BJP has promised to conduct a skill census. This census will aim to identify the specific skills required by various sectors in the state and ensure that training programs are designed accordingly. The BJP believes that this initiative will lead to greater employment opportunities for Maharashtra's workforce.
For low-income families, the BJP has pledged to provide free food items through the Public Distribution System (PDS) under the Akshay Anna Yojana. This scheme aims to ensure food security for vulnerable households and has been touted as a major welfare measure by the party. The manifesto also includes provisions for financial assistance for women under the Ladki Bahin scheme, with the monthly stipend being increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100.
Beyond these key promises, the BJP's manifesto also includes initiatives for promoting entrepreneurship, developing infrastructure, and supporting agriculture. The party has pledged to create 25 lakh job opportunities, provide stipends to 10 lakh students, and develop modern aeronautical and space manufacturing centers. The manifesto further promises to return SGST on fertilizer purchases to farmers as a grant and to keep the prices of essential commodities stable.
The BJP's manifesto reflects its commitment to addressing various social and economic issues in Maharashtra. While the promises have been met with mixed reactions from different political parties and stakeholders, the BJP's focus on skill development, welfare schemes, and infrastructure development indicates its attempt to appeal to a wide cross-section of voters. The outcome of the elections will determine the extent to which the BJP's promises translate into reality.
Source: BJP promises strict anti-conversion law, skill census in Maharashtra