Maharashtra: Minutes before EC presser on poll dates, Eknath Shinde announces Diwali bonus for BMC workers

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced Diwali bonus for BMC workers on Tuesday. The decision came minutes before the Election Commission’s Maharashtra poll dates announcement. Apart from the BMC staff, Asha workers and kindergarten teachers will also get this Diwali bonus.

While the Municipal Mazdoor Sangh had demanded Rs 40,000 Diwali bonus for BMC employees, Maharashtra Chief Ministry announced the bonus of Rs 28,000 for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) staff.

The Diwali bonus comes a day after the Shinde government announced a total toll waiver for light motor vehicles at all five toll booths located in state capital Mumbai. As per the toll waiver announcement, commuters will be able to travel without paying any tolls at the five booths - LBS Road-Mulund, Dahisar, Airoli Creek Bridge, Eastern Express Highway-Mulund and Vashi.

Since the 2019 Assembly elections, the political landscape in the state has shifted dramatically. The undivided Shiv Sena, which contested the election in alliance with the BJP, secured a comfortable majority. However, the alliance collapsed due to a disagreement over the chief ministership. Shiv Sena then forged a partnership with the Congress and NCP, leading to the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

In the Tuesday presser, Chief Election Commissioner Rajvee Kumar announced that Maharashtra Assembly Elections will be held in a single phase on November 20, 2024.