Maharashtra, Jharkhand Election Live Updates: JMM leaders Dharni Dhar Mandal and Sailendra Mandal join BJP

Maharashtra, Jharkhand Election Live Updates: In a bid to counter the ruling alliance, the MVA coalition announced on Wednesday several welfare measures for Maharashtra's residents, including Rs 3,000 monthly support and complimentary state transport bus travel for women. The Shiv Sena (UBT)-NCP(SP)-Congress alliance unveiled the Krishi Sammruddhi Yojana, offering farmers a Rs 3 lakh loan waiver and Rs 50,000 incentive for timely crop loan repayments before the November 20 assembly elections. Additional commitments made at the BKC ground gathering included Rs 4,000 monthly support for unemployed youth and healthcare benefits with insurance coverage up to Rs 25 lakh.Currently, the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP government provides Rs 1,500 monthly to eligible women through their 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, with plans to raise it to Rs 2,100.The alliance additionally pledged to implement a caste census in Maharashtra upon winning the state election, whilst promising to eliminate the 50 percent reservation limit if successful in national elections.Meanwhile, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge appointed Mohan Prakash on Wednesday as senior observer for Vidarbha region ahead of the November 20 assembly elections. According to AICC general secretary KC Venugopal's press release, the appointment takes immediate effect. The Congress participates in the 288-member assembly elections alongside alliance partners Shiv Sena (UBT) and Nationalist Congress Party (SP), collectively forming the MVA opposition bloc.During a poll rally in Washim, Vidarbha region, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath referred to the opposition MVA as 'Maha Anadi' whilst emphasising unity through references to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The BJP leader highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's January 22, 2024 statement at Ayodhya's Ram temple consecration ceremony as a beginning, noting progress towards Kashi and Mathura. Adityanath reinforced his message against division amongst people.