“We have decided to do a caste census and we will remove the 50% ceiling on reservation, in line with Tamil Nadu,” Kharge said.
Congress releases MVA manifesto for Maharashtra Elections: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday released the manifesto of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections emphasising on a series of welfare schemes. The event saw the presence of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole, Congress National General Secretary KC Venugopal and other leaders of the MVA alliance.
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While launching the manifesto, Kharge emphasised on the need to defeat the Mahayuti government and support the MVA for the sake of stability and effective governance in the state. Kharge outlined the party’s vision for Maharashtra, which is centered on five key areas: agriculture and rural development, industry and employment, urban growth, environmental protection, and public welfare. He highlighted that these pillars are designed to drive progress and ensure sustainable development across the state.
Kharge said that the youth looking for jobs will be given a stipend of Rs 4000 per month. He also said that the health insurance scheme of Rs 25 lakh, which was started by Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan, will be implemented in Maharashtra as well. The minister promised to provide free medicines as well. He further added, “We have decided to do a caste census and we will remove the 50% ceiling on reservation, in line with Tamil Nadu.”
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Key Promises in MVA Manifesto
At the heart of the Congress manifesto are five “guarantees,” which Kharge described as crucial for the welfare of all in Maharashtra. Kharge said that this will help in uplifting the families who will get relief of around Rs 3.5 lakh in a year.
Annual Aid for Every Family: Under the “Mahalakshmi Scheme,” the Congress plans to provide each family in the state with an annual aid of around Rs 3 lakh. This initiative is designed to provide economic support to households, particularly targeting low-income groups.
Financial Support for Women: One of the major highlights of the manifesto is a promise to empower women financially. As part of the Mahalakshmi Scheme, the Congress intends to give Rs 3,000 per month to all women in the state, aiming to improve their financial independence and well-being.
Free Bus Service for Women: In a significant move to ensure the safety and mobility of women, Congress has promised to introduce a free bus service across Maharashtra exclusively for women, making transportation more accessible and affordable.
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Loan Repayment Incentives for Farmers: The Congress also focused on agricultural welfare, promising Rs 50,000 to farmers who repay their loans on time. This initiative aims to support farmers and encourage timely repayment of agricultural loans.
Job Opportunities for Youth: To tackle unemployment, the Congress manifesto includes a promise to provide a monthly stipend of Rs 4,000 to young job seekers. This stipend is intended to support youth while they search for employment, offering a financial cushion as they pursue career opportunities.
Health Insurance for All: Continuing on the theme of welfare, the Congress has promised to introduce a health insurance scheme worth Rs 25 lakh, inspired by a similar initiative started by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. This scheme will be extended to Maharashtra, ensuring that every citizen has access to quality healthcare services. Free medicines will also be provided under the scheme.
Caste Census and Reservation Reforms: One of the more politically charged promises in the manifesto is the commitment to conducting a caste census, which Congress believes is essential to address issues of social justice. Additionally, the party has vowed to remove the 50% cap on reservations, in line with Tamil Nadu’s policy, ensuring more equitable access to opportunities for marginalized communities.
