BJP Unveils Thane Manifesto: 24/7 Water Supply and Corruption-Free Governance
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released its section of the Mahayuti manifesto for the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) elections, scheduled for January 15. The document, titled 'Thane Nirdharnama' (Resolution Paper), was unveiled at the Thane BJP headquarters, a day after the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance released its own manifesto for the city.
The manifesto promises round-the-clock water supply, corruption-free governance, and a digitally transparent civic administration. According to the PTI, the key focus is on water security, with the BJP pledging to construct a dedicated dam to ensure 24/7 water supply to every household in Thane. BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar emphasized that water security is the party’s top priority and special funds will be allocated to replace old and leaking pipelines across the city.
The BJP and its ally, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, are contesting the TMC polls together with the slogan “Abki Bar Sau Par” (This time, over 100), aiming to win more than 100 seats in the 131-member civic body. Shiv Sena state secretary Ram Repale announced that the Sena’s detailed portion of the Mahayuti manifesto would be released shortly.
The manifesto also includes plans for infrastructure improvements, such as the concretisation of 197 kilometres of roads within municipal limits. A permanent ducting policy for utilities like water, gas, and mobile services will be implemented to prevent repeated road digging. Kelkar emphasized the alliance’s commitment to making Thane free from corruption and encroachments.
Under the “Smart Thane” vision, the BJP has promised a technology-driven civic administration. This includes launching an integrated municipal mobile application, similar to the Centre’s UMANG app, to provide easy access to civic services. Digital expenditure boards will be installed in every ward to show real-time spending of public funds. The party also promised mandatory Ward Sabhas every three months and a ‘MyGov’-style platform to allow citizens to directly participate in policy-making.
In terms of healthcare, the manifesto proposes building an AIIMS-level grand hospital in coordination with the central government, along with a dedicated cancer hospital for Thane. For education, the document suggests introducing semi-English medium instruction, STEM education, and coding in municipal schools, supported by compulsory annual training for teachers.
For women’s welfare, the party has pledged to provide creches for children of working mothers and dedicated hostels for working women. The manifesto also aims to develop Thane as a cultural and sports hub by creating six to eight new theme parks, modernizing playgrounds, and building an international-standard stadium capable of hosting IPL matches.
On environmental issues, the document pledges to rejuvenate silted lakes and wells and use CSR funds for their beautification and tourism development. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a message included in the manifesto, described the document as an 'emotional bond' and a 'sincere contract' with the people of Thane, assuring that every promise would be implemented.
