Mumbai: Ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15, the ruling Mahayuti alliance comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Sunday released its manifesto, promising a pothole-free Mumbai, improved civic infrastructure, and decisive action against illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators.
The manifesto was unveiled in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, and senior BJP leaders including Ashish Shelar and Amit Satam. BJP Mumbai president Amit Satam said the document was drafted after considering over 2.65 lakh suggestions from Mumbai residents.
Focus on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Infrastructure
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Mahayuti’s vision for Mumbai is centred on inclusive development, modern infrastructure, and sustainability, with the goal of transforming the country’s financial capital into a world-class city.
Key announcements include:
- Upgradation of Mumbai’s suburban railway network
- 50% concession for women commuters on BEST buses
- Expansion of water transport services
- Doubling of BEST bus fleet from 5,000 to 10,000 buses
Fadnavis also said that AI-based tools developed with IIT Bombay would be used to identify illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. An investment of ₹17,000 crore has been earmarked to improve water and air quality and reduce carbon emissions.
Shinde: Mumbai Is India’s Growth Engine
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the alliance had worked extensively for Mumbai over the past three-and-a-half years and that the manifesto reflects those achievements. He added that efforts would be made to bring back Marathi people who had migrated out of Mumbai due to housing and livelihood challenges.
Mahayuti Manifesto: Key Promises
Roads and Pothole-Free Infrastructure
- Asphalt roads for streets below 9 metres; concrete roads for wider roads
- Utility ducts and tunnels for 17 services to prevent repeated digging
- Permanent solution to pothole issues
Transport and Urban Mobility
- Thane–Borivali underground route, reducing travel time to 10–15 minutes
- Increased parking capacity through underground and ground-level facilities
- Expansion of AI labs in municipal schools
Hawkers and Street Vendors
- Rehabilitation of eligible hawkers in designated hawking zones
- Creation of non-hawker zones to ease congestion
Support for Koli Community
- Interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh for small businesses
- Development projects with active involvement of the Koli community
Water Supply, Tax Relief and Drainage
- 24-hour water supply across Mumbai
- Increased water storage capacity and installation of flow meters for fair distribution
- Measures to eliminate tanker mafias
- Property tax rebates for housing societies practising rainwater harvesting
- Strengthening of Mumbai’s drainage system
Slum Redevelopment and Housing
- Special redevelopment schemes for Koliwada villages
- Faster group redevelopment under the Mumbai Falili Scheme
- Planned development of Gorai and Manori villages
- Better amenities in SRA layouts using allocated funds
- Resolution of issues related to 20,000 buildings and faster issuance of occupancy certificates
- Sustainable housing projects in eastern and western suburbs
Political Stakes High in BMC Battle
With Mumbai’s civic body regarded as one of Asia’s richest municipal corporations, the BMC elections are seen as a high-stakes political contest. The Mahayuti manifesto signals a strong focus on governance, infrastructure overhaul, and civic accountability as the alliance seeks a fresh mandate from Mumbai’s voters.
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