Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Maha Vikas Aghadi’s Promises – Farm Loan Waiver, ₹3,000 for Women, Free Bus Travel, and Youth Support

As the Maharashtra Assembly elections approach, the political battle heats up with both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) unveiling ambitious promises to capture voter support. The MVA, a coalition comprising the Congress, Sharad Pawar’s NCP-SP, and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena-UBT, has announced a range of initiatives focused on farmers, women, and youth.

Farm Loan Waiver for Financial Relief to Farmers

Krushi Samruddhi

🔹 किसानों का 3 लाख रुपए तक कर्ज माफ होगा
🔹 नियमित ऋण भुगतान के लिए 50,000 रुपए का प्रोत्साहन

: @NCPspeaks अध्यक्ष श्री @PawarSpeaks pic.twitter.com/CXOVJU6OhO

— Congress (@INCIndia) November 6, 2024

In a major promise to the state’s agricultural community, NCP chief Sharad Pawar declared that farm loans of up to ₹3 lakh would be waived under the Krishi Samruddhi Yojana if the MVA secures victory. This scheme is aimed at alleviating the financial burden on farmers across Maharashtra. Additionally, an incentive of ₹50,000 will be offered to farmers who regularly repay their loans, as part of MVA’s strategy to encourage financial discipline while providing relief to those in debt.

Economic Support for Women

#WATCH | Mumbai: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says "…Our first guarantee is to transfer Rs 3000 per month to the bank accounts of women directly and to provide free bus travel for women and girls in Maharashtra." pic.twitter.com/bskx4JlkaE

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced an initiative to empower women economically. The MVA pledged to transfer ₹3,000 per month directly into the bank accounts of women. Additionally, Gandhi promised free bus travel for women and girls in the state. This move is expected to offer financial relief to households, especially those led by women, and promote gender equality in access to public transport.

Support for Unemployed Youth

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray highlighted the coalition’s commitment to supporting Maharashtra’s unemployed youth. The MVA promised a monthly stipend of ₹4,000 for unemployed young people, designed to provide immediate financial aid and support skill development until they secure employment.

An Intense Political Battle

The election, scheduled for November 20, with vote counting on November 23, is set to be one of the most keenly contested in Maharashtra’s recent political history. The Chief Electoral Officer’s office reported a record 10,905 nominations filed across the state, representing 7,995 candidates competing for 288 assembly seats.

Mahayuti vs. MVA: Alliances in Focus

On the other side, the ruling Mahayuti alliance – a coalition of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP – is also intensifying its efforts to retain power. Both alliances are striving to secure their base and appeal to undecided voters with promises that target Maharashtra’s diverse population, making this election a critical turning point in the state’s political landscape.

With stakes high and promises aplenty, the Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024 are poised to shape the future of the state for the next five years.