BMC Election 2026: BJP, Sena and RPI (A) release its poll manifesto; promises houses, slum-free Mumbai and 50 pc bus fare for women

The manifesto was unveiled in presence of CM Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ramdas Athawale. Pic/Eknath Shinde`s office

With days to go for the high-stake BMC Election 2026, the BJP, Shiv Sena and Republican Party of India (RPI-A) on Sunday released its joint poll manifesto, promising housing reforms, slum-free Mumbai, 50 per cent concession on BEST bus ticket fares for women and more.

The manifesto was unveiled in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale.

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50 per cent concession for women in BEST buses

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that women beneficiaries under the ‘Ladki Bahin' scheme will receive a 50 per cent concession on BEST bus ticket fares, similar to the discount provided in state-run ST buses, an official statement, released by Shinde's office said.

Housing, slum-free and pagdi-free Mumbai in 5 years

The Mahayuti promised to make Mumbai slum-free and pagdi-free within the next five years.

It also pledged to provide 40 lakh affordable homes in the city and bring back original Mumbai residents who had moved outside the city, offering them dignified housing.

Push for redevelopment and safer housing

Shinde said redevelopment would be accelerated across Mumbai, with solutions for old pagdi buildings, funnel zone-affected structures, cluster redevelopment and mill workers' housing, the statement said.

The alliance promised homes for 1.10 lakh mill workers and said residents of dangerous buildings would be shifted to safe and well-equipped flats.

Focus on Marathi identity and culture

The manifesto includes commitments to protect Marathi language, culture and identity.

Plans include setting up a separate Marathi language department in the municipal corporation, Marathi art centres, study rooms, and special programmes for Marathi youth to mark Balasaheb Thackeray's birth centenary.

Environment, transport and infra plans

To fight pollution and protect the environment, the Mahayuti promised to spend Rs 17,000 crore on environmental projects.

Other key transport pledges include --

- Making BEST buses fully electric by 2029

- Increasing the BEST fleet from 5,000 to 10,000 buses

- Building cold storage facilities for fish vendors in BMC markets

Support for women, small businesses and start-ups

The alliance promised interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh for women and self-help groups to promote self-employment and small businesses.

It also announced plans for start-up incubation centres and a new small industries policy.

Illegal immigration

The manifesto includes a commitment to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants, aiming for what the alliance described as a "Mumbai free from illegal infiltration".

Civic finances and development vision

Responding to opposition criticism, Shinde said municipal deposits had increased despite high spending on public welfare.

He added that a Mumbai Development Plan 2034 would be prepared to guide long-term growth.