Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha 2024 Polls: Thackeray, Shinde Unveil Sops To Woo Voters
Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha 2024 Polls: Thackeray, Shinde Unveil Sops To Woo Voters
Leaders of the Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) factions, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde, respectively, announced a slew of promises to woo voters ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls.
Uddhav Thackeray, chief of the Sena (UBT), made five key promises, including free education for boys and affordable homes for sons of the soil. He also vowed to scrap the Dharavi redevelopment project and provide homes to residents in Dharavi itself, while ensuring that Mumbai’s lands do not go into Adani’s hands.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, head of the Shiv Sena, announced 10 highlights of the Mahayuti alliance’s election manifesto, in a bid to retain power.
Political analyst Abhay Deshpande noted that this rash of populist promises reflects the new political culture in India, which is “Provide and Rule” rather than “Divide and Rule”. He cautioned that both camps are promising freebies solely to seize power, without considering the impact on governance and the state exchequer.
Thackeray launched his assembly campaign in Kolhapur, seeking blessings from Goddess Ambabai and visiting the Balumama temple, shrines significant to the Maratha and Dhangar communities. He expressed confidence that voters would “teach a lesson” to rebel MLAs who broke away with Shinde.
The Maharashtra Assembly polls are scheduled for November 20, 2024, with 288 seats up for grabs. The results will be announced on November 23, 2024 .
