In a significant political move, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Sunday came together to present their joint vision for Mumbai's civic future. The cousins unveiled their common manifesto, titled 'Vachan Nama', for the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15.
A Historic Alliance Presents Its Civic Blueprint
The manifesto was launched at a joint press conference held at the Shiv Sena Bhawan in Mumbai. This venue marked a symbolic homecoming for Raj Thackeray, who returned to the building after a gap of nearly two decades. The cover of the manifesto prominently featured the images of the Thackeray cousins alongside the late Shiv Sena founder, Balasaheb Thackeray.
Setting the tone for their campaign, both leaders made a strong commitment regarding the city's top civic post. Uddhav Thackeray asserted that "Mumbai's mayor will be a Marathi". Raj Thackeray echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the mayor of Mumbai and other cities in Maharashtra must be Marathi and that the Marathi language must be accorded due respect.
Key Promises: From Allowances to Affordable Transport
The Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance's 'Vachan Nama' outlines a comprehensive range of civic reforms focusing on healthcare, public transport, education, and housing. Among the standout promises are:
- A proposed 'Swabhiman Nidhi' scheme that will provide a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to women working as domestic help and to Koli women.
- Reducing the minimum bus fare in the city from Rs 10 to Rs 5, alongside adding more buses and routes to the fleet.
- Scrapping property tax for homes measuring up to 700 square feet.
- Ensuring one parking space per flat in all redeveloped buildings.
Sharp Attacks on BJP and Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
The press conference quickly turned into a platform for sharp criticism of the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti government. The leaders launched a fierce attack over candidates winning civic seats unopposed in the upcoming polls.
Uddhav Thackeray demanded that elections in such wards be cancelled and the polling process restarted, alleging that voters were being stripped of their democratic rights. He accused the ruling parties of manipulating the electoral process, stating that after "vote-stealing," they had now begun "stealing candidates." He urged the State Election Commission (SEC) to intervene. "If the SEC has courage, it should cancel elections where candidates were chosen unopposed, initiate poll process again in those wards," Uddhav said.
He further alleged large-scale corruption in the BMC since his government was removed in 2022. Thackeray claimed that while the civic body's annual expenditure is around Rs 15,000 crore, advance mobilisation payments to contractors amount to nearly Rs 3 lakh crore, calling it a massive scam.
Uddhav also targeted Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, accusing him of threatening candidates and voters and interfering in the nomination process. He demanded Narwekar's immediate suspension for alleged violations of the model code of conduct. Narwekar has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated.
Raj Thackeray warned the ruling party that power is not permanent and accused the BJP of setting dangerous precedents. He questioned the party's silence over unopposed victories in Maharashtra, reminding that it had earlier approached the Supreme Court over similar issues in West Bengal.
The Road to January 15
The seat-sharing agreement between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS for the BMC polls has been formally finalised. Under this arrangement, Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest 145 to 150 seats, the MNS will fight 65 to 70 seats, while 10 to 12 seats have been allocated to the NCP.
Polling for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. Elections will be held for 2,869 seats across 893 wards, with Mumbai accounting for 227 seats.
The Maharashtra State Election Commission has sought a detailed report from the BMC chief following complaints that nomination forms were rejected in certain Colaba wards, where relatives of Speaker Narwekar are contesting.
