Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Pledges to Deport Illegal Bangladeshis Using AI in Mumbai

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched the Mahayuti alliance’s manifesto for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, leading with a hard-hitting pledge to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi migrants from the city using artificial intelligence.

Addressing the manifesto launch alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde, Fadnavis declared, “We'll free Mumbai from Bangladeshis. We've deported the highest so far. With AI, we'll identify and deport 100% Bangladeshis. AI tool will be ready in 6 months. Soon, there will be 10,000 BEST buses on the roads. We'll identify and deport illegal Bangladeshis. Don't worry about those leaders who've failed.”

The BJP–Shiv Sena–RPI (A) alliance’s manifesto places heavy emphasis on technology-driven governance, promising the use of AI to tackle corruption, accelerate clearances, and improve civic service delivery.

Unveiling the document, Fadnavis said the alliance would combine global innovation with local administration to resolve Mumbai’s chronic civic challenges. “The city has seen 25 years of inefficiency in civic governance, and now I want to tell people to give us the opportunity to bring transparency in civic administration,” he said.

Reiterating his anti-corruption pitch, the chief minister added, “Our goal is a corruption-free municipal corporation.”

He outlined a “Municipality on your Mobile” initiative and an AI-driven platform aimed at fast-tracking building approvals and ensuring transparency in the real estate sector. The manifesto also promises AI laboratories in all municipal schools to equip students with future-ready skills.

Transport and women’s safety form key pillars of the document. Fadnavis announced plans to expand the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) fleet from around 5,000 to 10,000 buses, transition to electric vehicles, and introduce a 50 per cent fare concession for women travellers.

He also said new “midi” and “mini” bus services would be introduced to improve last-mile connectivity near Metro and railway stations.

With the manifesto launch, the Mahayuti alliance has signalled a campaign centred on technology-driven governance, infrastructure expansion, and a tough stance on illegal migration as it gears up for the high-stakes BMC elections.