Ajit Pawar's NCP releases poll manifesto, leaders highlight 'secular' ideology
India TodayThe Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction released its manifesto for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls on Monday, with a major highlight being a caste-based Census. The NCP, a constituent of the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, comprising the Shiv Sena and the BJP, also promises Minimum Support Price for farmers and demands Bharat Ratna for the late former Maharashtra chief minister and defence minister Yashvantrao Chavan. NCP chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also affirmed that "even if we have joined Mahayuti, we have not abandoned our ideology". MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MANIFESTO Classical language status for Marathi language Bharat Ratna for former Chief Minister Yashwantrao Chavan Demand for a caste-based census Push for the implementation of measures and funds to ensure that students from minority communities will get opportunities for higher education, entrepreneurship and employment. She service and facility-centric policy for Haj Pilgrims Minimum Support Price for farmers Working women hostels in cities across Maharashtra Thirty-three per cent of reservations for women Fifty per cent concession to senior citizens above 60 years in railways and metro Ayushman Bharat scheme for 70 years and above Meanwhile, NCP Sharad Pawar camp leader and former minister Jitendra Awhad targeted Ajit Pawar over PM Modi’s communal remark.