Two years ago, Maharashtra’s political landscape experienced significant upheaval. The ruling government changed, and the subsequent years witnessed a deep divide within both regional parties. Eknath Shinde led a rebellion against Party Chief Uddhav Thackeray, ultimately becoming the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and securing the legal rights to the Shivsena as an organization. Consequently, Uddhav Thackeray not only lost control of his party but also its iconic Arrow and Bow symbol. He now leads a new faction called the Shiv Sena – Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT). After five years of political turmoil, Maharashtra is poised to face the Lok Sabha elections for the first time under these new circumstances. This election will serve as a crucial test for the acceptance of these new factions. Below are the highlights of the manifesto by Shiv Sena UBT.
Restoring Maharashtra’s Glory: A Vision for the Future
According to Shiv Sena (UBT)’s manifesto, Maharashtra, a state steeped in rich history and cultural heritage, has faced numerous challenges over the past few years. Under the BJP-led central government, several projects rightfully belonging to Maharashtra have been diverted to Gujarat and other states, causing a sense of injustice among the people. The INDIA front, poised to take the helm of the national government, promises to rectify these injustices and restore Maharashtra’s glory. This comprehensive vision encompasses various aspects, from economic development to social justice, healthcare, and beyond.
Reclaiming Maharashtra’s Economic Stronghold
Shiv Sena (UBT) claims that Mumbai, the financial capital of India, contributes several lakh crores of rupees annually to the central government through taxes. Yet, despite its significant contributions, Mumbai and Maharashtra have seen a diversion of key projects. For instance, the International Financial Center was moved to Ahmedabad. The Shiv Sena (UBT) is committed to reversing such decisions, ensuring Mumbai’s rightful place as the nation’s financial hub. Substantial financial provisions from the center will be allocated to enhance the infrastructure of Mumbai and Maharashtra, boosting local employment and economic opportunities.
Employment for Rural Youth
Shiv Sena is said to be championing the cause of unemployed youth since its inception. Shiv Sena (UBT)’s manifesto tries to take forward this legacy. One of the pressing issues is the lack of employment opportunities in rural areas. The party aims to create local employment opportunities for the youth in these regions. By fostering local industries and providing necessary infrastructure, rural youth can find meaningful employment without needing to migrate to urban centers.
Ensuring Reservation and Social Justice
According to Shiv Sena (UBT)’s manifesto, the incumbent government’s handling of the reservation issue has left many communities, including the Maratha and OBC communities, in uncertainty. The INDIA front government will insist on increasing the reservation limit from 50 percent, ensuring fair representation and opportunities for all. Additionally, enhanced assistance will be provided to students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, and economically and socially backward sections to pursue higher education, both domestically and internationally.
Healthcare Reforms
As per the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s manifesto, The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system. The Mahavikas Aghadi government, under Chief Minister Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, was praised for its healthcare response during the pandemic. Building on this success, the party aims to modernize district hospitals and primary healthcare centers, ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens.
GST Reforms
The Shiv Sena (UBT)’s manifesto alleges that the current GST system, implemented by the BJP-led central government, has been criticized for its complexity and centralization, causing hardships for state governments and small traders. The party promises to simplify the GST by introducing a uniform tax rate for all goods and services, moving away from the current multiple rate slabs. This reform aims to alleviate the burden on local businesses and ensure fair revenue distribution to municipal corporations and local self-governing bodies.
Decentralization of Power
Strengthening the federal system is a key priority for the Shiv Sena (UBT). By decentralizing power and ensuring that state governments have greater autonomy, the drift towards authoritarianism and central monopoly will be halted. This approach will empower local governments to address their unique challenges more effectively.
Agricultural Reforms
Agriculture remains the backbone of Maharashtra’s economy. To support farmers, the party plans to abolish GST on agricultural necessities like seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers. The stringent criteria for crop insurance will be replaced with more farmer-friendly policies. Additionally, the construction of warehouses and cold storage facilities will prevent spoilage of produce and ensure farmers receive timely compensation for crop losses. A climate action plan will be developed, integrating sustainable practices across agriculture, urban development, and industry.
Industrial and Business Development
According to Shiv Sena (UBT)’s manifesto, to prevent industries from relocating to other states, Maharashtra will offer industry-friendly schemes and facilities. An international financial center, similar to GIFT City in Gujarat, will be established in Maharashtra. Environmental protection will be prioritized, with the state government having the right to reject environmentally harmful projects. The hospitality sector will be granted industry status, creating numerous job opportunities. A single-window scheme will streamline the approval process for new industries and businesses, promoting rapid industrial progress.
Social Security and Respect for Women
Shiv Sena (UBT) is committed to reducing the cost of essential commodities like petrol, diesel, and LPG by eliminating various surcharges and cesses. The grants for ASHA and Anganwadi workers will be doubled, recognizing their crucial role in community health. Respect and equality for women will be ensured through government programs and modern technology like AI chatbots for immediate assistance. The Mahalakshmi scheme promises ₹1 lakh annually to each poor family, demonstrating the front’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment.
Youth Development and Education
Education is the cornerstone of Maharashtra’s future. The Shiv Sena (UBT) manifesto promises to ensure that education in Maharashtra meets global standards, emphasizing research, skills, and development. Employment opportunities will be created for the youth, and international-level sports facilities will be developed in every district. Special attention will be given to the health and mental well-being of students. Medical colleges will be equipped with excellent facilities, producing top-quality doctors. The education sector will be modernized with the integration of technology, ensuring youth are well-versed in fields like industrial development, coding, and economic literacy.
Economic Autonomy and Stability
To ensure economic stability, the party aims to grant autonomy to states and local self-governing bodies. The prices of essential goods will be stabilized, with minimal increases for non-essential items. Thirty lakh government jobs will be created, with 50% of new central government jobs reserved for women. An urban employment guarantee scheme will be implemented, providing employment to the poor.
Promoting Marathi Language and Culture
The Shiv Sena (UBT) party is committed to granting official status to the Marathi language, ensuring its recognition and preservation. This cultural commitment underscores the front’s dedication to maintaining Maharashtra’s rich heritage while advancing its economic and social development.
Shiv Sena (UBT)’s vision for Maharashtra is comprehensive and forward-looking, addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges while preserving the state’s cultural heritage. By restoring projects, creating employment opportunities, ensuring social justice, and modernizing education and healthcare, the INDIA front aims to restore Maharashtra’s glory and ensure a prosperous future for all its residents.
Reference:
Vidhan Bharat 
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