Ruling alliance rolls out 29-point BMC manifesto promising pothole-free roads, clean air, and smoother commutes
(From left) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Republican Party of India (A) MP Ramdas Athawale during the release of Mahayuti’s manifesto for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election in Bandra East on Sunday. Pic/PTI
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and the Republican Party of India (A) on Sunday released its 29-point manifesto for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, promising a pothole-free Mumbai, smoother commutes, solutions to urban flooding, and better management of hawkers, parking, footpaths, tourism, and open spaces.
The manifesto, unveiled by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and RPI(A) chief Ramdas Athawale, also commits to clean air, affordable housing, improved healthcare, youth-focused policies and transforming Mumbai into a globally benchmarked city.
The 16-page document features Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, and the late Sena leader Anand Dighe on its cover. With Opposition alliances having already released their manifestos, the ruling coalition’s roadmap was keenly awaited. Notably, the NCP led by Ajit Pawar is not contesting the BMC polls as part of the Mahayuti.
A major focus of the manifesto is urban beautification, a key priority of Eknath Shinde. Promises include a sea-viewing deck, beautification of water bodies (such as Bandra Talao, Powai Lake, and Sion Lake), expanded urban greening initiatives, garbage-free roads, clean beaches, and riverfronts, and the formation of a special committee to address urban heat stress.
Financial sops
The manifesto announces a 50 per cent reduction in BEST bus fares for women, a freeze on water tax hikes for the next five years, and interest-free loans of up to '5 lakh for women entrepreneurs.
Youth-centric measures
For the youth, the Mahayuti promises a Gen Z internship programme to involve young citizens in public policymaking, sports complexes, and swimming pools in every BMC ward, an innovation hub with funding of up to '100 crore, low-cost high-speed internet centres, and 24x7 air-conditioned, Wi-Fi-enabled study rooms in each ward for competitive exam aspirants. A ‘Mumbai Ratna’ scholarship scheme for native students pursuing higher education abroad has also been proposed.
Performance report
Fadnavis announced that at the end of the BMC’s five-year term in 2030, an action-taken report and fact sheet will be released to assess the fulfilment of manifesto promises.
Marathi pride
Shinde emphasised Marathi asmita, stating that the alliance would ensure affordable housing for Marathi-speaking Mumbaikars and bring back residents who have been forced to move to suburbs such as Vasai-Virar, Nalasopara and Badlapur. “Mumbai’s Marathi manoos should not have to leave the city,” Fadnavis said, citing redevelopment projects such as BDD Chawl and Patra Chawl.
The manifesto launch also saw a show of strength, with senior leaders, including Vinod Tawde, Ashish Shelar, Ameet Satam, Milind Deora, and Rahul Shewale, present on stage.
Some new Mahayuti manifesto highlights
>> Flood-free Mumbai within the next five years
>> Induction of 10,000 to 12,000 new electric BEST buses
>> Pilot rollout of zero-waste wards across Mumbai
>> Air quality display boards at all major junctions
>> AI laboratories in all municipal schools
>> Free health check-ups for senior citizens at all municipal hospitals
>> Medical colleges to be established at all municipal hospitals
>> Special Development Control Regulations (DCR) for Koliwadas and Gaothans
>> Free AI training for women under the Mumbai Digital Sakhi programme
>> Augmented reality booths at all forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
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