Maharashtra poll likely in 2nd week of Nov: CM Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said the state Assembly polls are expected to be held in the second week of November and seat-sharing among the ruling allies would be finalised in the next 8 to 10 days.

A two-phase poll would be preferable for the 288-member state Assembly, Shinde said in an informal chat with mediapersons at his official residence, ‘Varsha’, in Mumbai.

The Mahayuti Government, comprising the Shiv Sena led by Shinde, BJP and the Ajit Pawar-headed NCP, was focusing on development and welfare measures and was getting good response from people, he said.

“Elections are likely in the second week of November. A two-phase election would be preferable. Merit and good strike rate will be the criteria for seat-sharing among the Mahayuti allies,” the CM said.

The seat-sharing will be finalised in 8 to 10 days, he added.

Shinde said he could see support for the government among women. “We have struck a balance between development and welfare schemes,” he said.

Appointment letters have been given to 1.5 lakh youth for jobs under the skilled training programme for which they will get a stipend from ~6,000 to ~10,000. The target is to cover 10 lakh youth, the CM said.

Shinde said 1.6 crore women have so far got financial assistance under the government’s “Ladki Bahin Scheme”. “We plan to reach out to 2.5 crore women,” he said.

At present, women beneficiaries of the government’s flagship “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana” get ~1,500 per month.

Shinde said his government aims to make Mumbai slum-free and ensure affordable housing for all.