By Shiv Sena (UBT)–Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Alliance Releases ‘Vachan Nama’ for BMC Polls, Targets BJP
Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, ending nearly two decades of political rivalry, on Saturday jointly released their manifesto titled ‘Vachan Nama’ for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The Mumbai civic polls are scheduled for January 15.
Presenting the manifesto as an offering “at the feet of the janta,” the Thackeray cousins described their coming together as a “Shiv-Shakti” alliance, aimed at safeguarding the interests of the Marathi manush and preserving Mumbai’s identity.
Key Promises in Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS Manifesto
The joint manifesto outlines a wide-ranging agenda focused on social welfare, urban infrastructure, transport, and education. Major promises include:
- Affordable housing initiatives across Mumbai
- Introduction of ‘Swabhiman Nidhi’, a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 for domestic helpers and Koli women, modeled on the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana
- Strengthening healthcare, public transport, and education infrastructure
- Setting up ‘Maa Saheb’ kitchens, named after Meenatai Thackeray, to provide breakfast and lunch at ₹10, similar to the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme
Additional proposals under consideration include waiving property tax on homes up to 700 sq ft and revising redevelopment norms to ensure one parking slot per flat.
Transport, Education and Gig Worker Welfare
If voted to power, the alliance has promised to reduce the minimum bus fare from ₹10 to ₹5, expand bus fleets, and introduce new routes across the city.
On the education front, BMC-run Mumbai Public Schools will offer classes from junior kindergarten to Class 12. For gig workers, the manifesto proposes interest-free loans of ₹25,000 to help them purchase e-bikes.
Thackeray Cousins Launch Sharp Attack on BJP
While unveiling the manifesto, both leaders strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of eroding democratic values.
Uddhav Thackeray alleged large-scale manipulation in elections, saying, “There is no democracy left. After vote theft, they are now stealing candidates. There is a race to ensure ruling party candidates win unopposed.” He also demanded re-elections in seats where candidates were elected unopposed and called for an investigation into call records of returning officers involved in such cases.
Raj Thackeray accused the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance of “turning Maharashtra into UP–Bihar,” warning that such political trends were dangerous for the state’s future and urging all parties to reflect on their long-term impact.
What Happened in the 2017 BMC Elections
In the 2017 Mumbai civic polls, the undivided Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party with 84 seats, closely followed by the BJP with 82 seats. With no party crossing the majority mark of 114, political uncertainty prevailed until the BJP extended outside support, enabling Shiv Sena’s Vishwanath Mahadeshwar to become Mumbai Mayor.
The Congress secured 31 seats, while the undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won nine. The MNS suffered a significant setback, dropping from 27 seats in the previous election to just seven.
The upcoming BMC elections on January 15, with counting expected the following day, are being closely watched as a crucial test of the revived Thackeray alliance’s electoral strength in Mumbai.
